Snail-killing Fly vs Ornate Soldier Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Snail-killing Fly | Ornate Soldier Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Tetanocera elata | Odontomyia ornata |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Sciomyzidae | Stratiomyidae |
| Size | 7-10 mm | 8-12 mm |
| Habitat | Wetlands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Europe |
| 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.
Ornate Soldier Fly
A medium-sized soldier fly with a green and black patterned abdomen and a somewhat flattened body. Adults are sluggish fliers often found basking on waterside vegetation.
Did You Know?
Its aquatic larvae have a unique hydrophobic tail fringe that acts as a breathing snorkel at the water surface.