Small-headed Fly vs Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Small-headed Fly Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
Scientific Name Ogcodes pallidipennis Romalea microptera
Order Diptera Orthoptera
Family Acroceridae Romaleidae
Size 4-8 mm 50-80 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Parasitoids Predators
Regions Europe North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Small-headed Fly

A round-bodied fly with a tiny head whose larva parasitizes spiders from the inside.

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Did You Know?

The first-instar larva attaches to a passing spider and burrows inside to feed.

Eastern Lubber Grasshopper

A large, brightly colored grasshopper with short wings that cannot fly. Its bold yellow, red, and black coloration warns predators of its toxic secretions.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, lubber grasshoppers secrete a foul-smelling, toxic froth from their thoracic spiracles that can sicken birds.