Sri Lankan Relict Ant Beetle vs Swallow Louse Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sri Lankan Relict Ant Beetle Swallow Louse Fly
Scientific Name Helota vigorsii Ornithomya avicularia
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Helotidae Hippoboscidae
Size 0.5-1 cm 5-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Wood Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Sri Lanka Europe, Asia
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Sri Lankan Relict Ant Beetle

A rare beetle found only in the wet zone forests of Sri Lanka. It lives under bark and is associated with fungal growths on dead wood.

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Did You Know?

This beetle belongs to a relict family with fewer than 100 known species worldwide.

Swallow Louse Fly

A flattened, brownish winged louse fly that parasitizes a wide range of bird species. It moves rapidly through feathers using its laterally compressed body and strong tarsal claws.

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Did You Know?

It can parasitize over 30 different bird species, making it one of the most host-generalist hippoboscid flies.