Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly vs Australian Mole Cricket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly | Australian Mole Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthogramma pedissequum | Gryllotalpa pluvialis |
| Order | Diptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Gryllotalpidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 30-45 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Australia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly
A striking yellow-and-black hoverfly that mimics a wasp. Larvae develop inside ant nests where they feed on root aphids tended by the ants. A declining species in parts of its range.
Did You Know?
Larvae live inside ant nests and feed on the root aphids that ants keep as 'livestock'.
Australian Mole Cricket
A native Australian mole cricket that emerges from the soil in large numbers after heavy rains. It is attracted to lights on warm, wet nights.
Did You Know?
Its species name pluvialis means rain-loving, referring to its habit of mass emergence after heavy downpours.