Woolly Hackberry Aphid vs Hornet Robber Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Woolly Hackberry Aphid | Hornet Robber Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Shivaphis celti | Asilus crabroniformis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Diptera |
| Family | Aphididae | Asilidae |
| Size | 1-2 mm | 18-28 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | East Asia, introduced to North America | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Near Threatened (declining in northern Europe) |
Woolly Hackberry Aphid
A waxy-white social aphid that feeds on hackberry trees and is notable for its cooperative colony defense. Large groups coordinate to kick and push predators off leaf surfaces.
Did You Know?
They produce copious white waxy filaments that can accumulate like snow under heavily infested hackberry trees.
Hornet Robber Fly
Europe's largest robber fly, a hornet mimic with a yellow-and-brown body that hunts dung beetles on grazed pastures. Females lay eggs in animal dung where larvae develop as predators.
Did You Know?
It specifically hunts dung beetles, and its larvae develop as predators inside cow pats and horse droppings.