Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly vs Harvester Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly | Harvester Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthogramma pedissequum | Messor barbarus |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 3-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southern Europe, North Africa |
| 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'.
Harvester Ant
A large, polymorphic harvester ant with impressive major workers that have broad heads for seed crushing. Workers form long foraging columns to collect seeds. They are among the most conspicuous ants in Mediterranean ecosystems.
Did You Know?
Majors can crack open seeds with their powerful mandibles that would take a human pliers to break.