Snail-killing Fly vs Australian Spoonwing
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Snail-killing Fly | Australian Spoonwing |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tetanocera elata | Chasmoptera hutti |
| Order | Diptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Sciomyzidae | Nemopteridae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 25-35 mm wingspan (forewings) |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Southern Australia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Australian Spoonwing
One of the few Australian nemopterids, with distinctive elongated hindwings. Found in arid and semi-arid regions of southern Australia.
Did You Know?
It is the only nemopterid genus found in Australia, making it biogeographically significant.