Spotted-Winged Antlion vs Flat-footed Scuttle Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spotted-Winged Antlion Flat-footed Scuttle Fly
Scientific Name Dendroleon pantherinus Metopina oligoneura
Order Neuroptera Diptera
Family Myrmeleontidae Phoridae
Size 35-40 mm wingspan 1-2 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Detritivores
Regions Europe Europe, Asia
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Spotted-Winged Antlion

A large antlion with distinctive spotted wings found in old-growth forests. Its larvae hide in tree-hole detritus rather than building sand pits.

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Did You Know?

This antlion is unusual because its larvae ambush prey in tree hollows rather than digging pits in sand.

Flat-footed Scuttle Fly

A minute brown phorid fly with broad flattened tarsi and reduced wing venation. It is associated with ant nests where it scavenges on refuse and dead ants.

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Did You Know?

It lives inside ant colonies as a tolerated guest, feeding on the waste materials that ants discard in their refuse chambers.