Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly vs White-spotted Ichneumon
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Superb Ant-hill Hoverfly | White-spotted Ichneumon |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Xanthogramma pedissequum | Compsocryptus texensis |
| Order | Diptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Syrphidae | Ichneumonidae |
| Size | 10-14 mm | 10-18 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe | Southern United States, Mexico |
| 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'.
White-spotted Ichneumon
A medium black ichneumon wasp with conspicuous white spots on the thorax and legs. It parasitizes spider egg sacs and caterpillars.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few ichneumon wasps adapted to the hot, dry conditions of the American Southwest.