Leafhopper Strepsipteran vs Noon Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Leafhopper Strepsipteran Noon Fly
Scientific Name Halictophagus calcaratus Mesembrina meridiana
Order Strepsiptera Diptera
Family Halictophagidae Muscidae
Size 1.0-2.0 mm (males) 10-13mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Parasites Dung Feeders
Regions North America, Europe Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Leafhopper Strepsipteran

A tiny strepsipteran that parasitizes leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae. The first-instar larvae are among the smallest known insects.

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Did You Know?

The first-instar triungulin larva is only about 0.2 mm long, making it one of the smallest free-living insects.

Noon Fly

A large stocky black fly with bright orange wing bases. It basks in sunshine on walls and fences at midday.

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Did You Know?

Named for its habit of basking in the midday sun, often sitting motionless on warm surfaces around noon.