Solenopsis
Guides
Pseudacteon
Ant-Decapitating Flies
Pseudacteon is a genus of phorid flies comprising over 70 described species, commonly known as ant-decapitating flies. These parasitoids are specialized on ants, particularly Solenopsis fire ants, with females injecting eggs directly into host workers. The larval development occurs entirely within the ant's head capsule, culminating in decapitation and pupation inside the detached head. Several species have been introduced to the United States as biological control agents against invasive red imported fire ants.
Solenopsis picta
Northern Twig-nesting Thief Ant
Solenopsis picta is a species of thief ant in the genus Solenopsis, described by Emery in 1895. It is commonly known as the Northern Twig-nesting Thief Ant. The species belongs to a genus that includes other well-known ants such as the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta), though S. picta is distinct in its ecology and behavior. Information specific to this species is limited in the provided sources.
Solenopsis tonsa
Thompson's Thief Ant
Solenopsis tonsa is a species of thief ant described by Thompson in 1989. It belongs to the genus Solenopsis, which includes the well-known red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). The species is commonly referred to as Thompson's Thief Ant. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only four documented observations on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff. As a member of the Solenopsis genus, it shares the general morphological characteristics of small myrmicine ants, though specific distinguishing features from congeners are not well documented in available sources.