Mexican Antlion vs Arctic Crane Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mexican Antlion | Arctic Crane Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Vella americana | Tipula arctica |
| Order | Neuroptera | Diptera |
| Family | Myrmeleontidae | Tipulidae |
| Size | 65-85 mm wingspan | 15-25 mm body length |
| Habitat | Deserts & Drylands | Tundra & Arctic |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Southwestern United States, Mexico | Arctic Scandinavia, northern Russia, Siberia, Arctic Canada |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Mexican Antlion
A robust antlion found across the southern United States and Mexico. Recognized by its large size and boldly marked forewings.
Did You Know?
Adults are surprisingly strong fliers for antlions and actively hunt small moths at dusk.
Arctic Crane Fly
A large, long-legged fly with narrow wings and a slender body. Its legs break off easily when seized by predators. Larvae are leathery-skinned grubs living in wet tundra soil where they feed on roots.
Did You Know?
Despite their mosquito-like appearance, crane flies are completely harmless and cannot bite.