Malagasy Rover Ant vs Zodion Thick-headed Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Rover Ant Zodion Thick-headed Fly
Scientific Name Tetramorium kelleri Zodion cinereum
Order Hymenoptera Diptera
Family Formicidae Conopidae
Size 2-4 mm 5-8 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Seed Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Madagascar Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Malagasy Rover Ant

A small, dark brown ant with rugose sculpture on the head and thorax. It is part of a massive endemic radiation of Tetramorium in Madagascar.

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Did You Know?

Madagascar harbors 113 endemic Tetramorium species, one of the most spectacular ant radiations on any island.

Zodion Thick-headed Fly

A small, grayish-brown conopid fly with a slightly swollen head and prominent proboscis. It is commonly found on flowers where it stalks small bees and wasps for parasitism.

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Did You Know?

Unlike larger conopids that tackle bumblebees, this species specializes in parasitizing smaller sweat bees and halictids.