Zodion Thick-headed Fly vs Blue Striped Nettle Grub
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Zodion Thick-headed Fly | Blue Striped Nettle Grub |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zodion cinereum | Parasa lepida |
| Order | Diptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Conopidae | Limacodidae |
| Size | 5-8 mm | 30-40 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, North America | Southeast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Myanmar) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Zodion Thick-headed Fly
A small, grayish-brown conopid fly with a slightly swollen head and prominent proboscis. It is commonly found on flowers where it stalks small bees and wasps for parasitism.
Did You Know?
Unlike larger conopids that tackle bumblebees, this species specializes in parasitizing smaller sweat bees and halictids.
Blue Striped Nettle Grub
A small moth with vivid green forewings edged in dark chocolate brown. The caterpillar is bright green with blue longitudinal stripes and bears venomous urticating spines that cause intense pain.
Did You Know?
The caterpillar's sting is so painful it is compared to a wasp sting, and the venomous spines can cause welts lasting several days.