Snail-killing Fly vs Giant Hawaiian Darner

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snail-killing Fly Giant Hawaiian Darner
Scientific Name Tetanocera elata Anax strenuus
Order Diptera Odonata
Family Sciomyzidae Aeshnidae
Size 7-10 mm 10-13 cm
Habitat Wetlands Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, North America United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

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.

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Did You Know?

Larvae enter the snail's shell and consume it alive over several days.

Giant Hawaiian Darner

The largest dragonfly in the United States, endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It patrols forest streams and pools in native montane forest.

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Did You Know?

Ancient Hawaiians called it the 'pinao' and considered it a guardian spirit of fresh water.