Snail-killing Fly vs Spider-hunting Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Snail-killing Fly Spider-hunting Wasp
Scientific Name Tetanocera elata Anoplius nigerrimus
Order Diptera Hymenoptera
Family Sciomyzidae Pompilidae
Size 7-10 mm 12-18mm
Habitat Wetlands Beaches & Coastal
Diet Predators Predators
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.

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Did You Know?

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

Spider-hunting Wasp

A large all-black spider-hunting wasp that drags paralyzed wolf spiders back to its burrow.

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Did You Know?

Paralyzes a wolf spider with a precise sting to the nerve ganglion then drags it backwards to its burrow.