Yellow Swarming Fly vs Indian Owlfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Yellow Swarming Fly Indian Owlfly
Scientific Name Thaumatomyia notata Helicomitus festivus
Order Diptera Neuroptera
Family Chloropidae Ascalaphidae
Size 2-2.5 mm 38-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Yellow Swarming Fly

A tiny yellow fly famous for forming enormous hibernation aggregations in buildings, sometimes numbering millions. Larvae are predatory on root aphids in grassland.

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Did You Know?

Can form hibernation clusters of millions in attic spaces, with individual aggregations weighing several kilograms.

Indian Owlfly

A tropical Asian owlfly with long antennae and patterned wings. Found along forest edges and clearings in the Indian subcontinent.

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Did You Know?

Its large clubbed antennae are thought to help detect prey scent during aerial hunts.