Twin-spot Centurion vs Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Twin-spot Centurion Antlion
Scientific Name Sargus bipunctatus Myrmeleon formicarius
Order Diptera Neuroptera
Family Stratiomyidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 8-13 mm 30-35 mm body (adult)
Habitat Underground Deserts & Drylands
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Europe, Asia, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Twin-spot Centurion

A metallic bronze-green soldier fly with two characteristic pale spots on the frons. It is one of the most common stratiomyids in Europe, found basking on ivy flowers in autumn.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the last flies to be active in autumn, still visiting ivy flowers well into November.

Antlion

Larvae build conical sand pit traps to catch ants and other small insects. The larva waits buried at the bottom and flicks sand at prey trying to escape up the slopes.

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Did You Know?

Antlion larvae engineer their sand traps using physics — they build at the exact angle of repose so any disturbance causes an avalanche, sweeping prey to the bottom.