Golden-headed Micropterix vs Snail-killing Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden-headed Micropterix | Snail-killing Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Micropterix aruncella | Tetanocera elata |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Diptera |
| Family | Micropterigidae | Sciomyzidae |
| Size | 7-9 mm wingspan | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Wetlands |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Golden-headed Micropterix
A tiny, metallic-headed moth that is among the most primitive living Lepidoptera. Adults have functional jaws instead of a proboscis and feed on pollen. A living fossil.
Did You Know?
Retains functional chewing jaws like its ancient ancestors, predating the evolution of the typical butterfly proboscis by millions of years.
Snail-killing Fly
A wetland fly whose larvae are specialized predators or parasitoids of land snails. It has been investigated as a biocontrol agent for pest snails.
Did You Know?
Larvae enter the snail's shell and consume it alive over several days.