Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly vs Golden Tachinid Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly | Golden Tachinid Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pantophthalmus bellardii | Archytas marmoratus |
| Order | Diptera | Diptera |
| Family | Pantophthalmidae | Tachinidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm body length | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Parasitoids | Parasites |
| Regions | South America (Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Peru) | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Venezuelan Pebble Toad Fly
One of the largest flies in the world, with robust bodies reaching 40 mm and a wingspan exceeding 70 mm. The larvae develop inside rotting tree trunks. Adults resemble large bumblebees and are strong, buzzing fliers attracted to fermenting sap.
Did You Know?
It is among the largest flies on Earth, with larvae that bore through hardwood so effectively they were once thought to be beetle larvae.
Golden Tachinid Fly
A large bristly parasitic fly with golden-brown hairs found across the Americas. It parasitizes armyworm and cutworm caterpillars in crops.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most important natural enemies of fall armyworm in North American agriculture.