Army Ant Rove Beetle vs African Hide Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Army Ant Rove Beetle | African Hide Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ecitomorpha arachnoides | Trox sabulosus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Trogidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 7-11 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Central America, South America | Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Army Ant Rove Beetle
An extraordinary myrmecophilous rove beetle whose body remarkably mimics the shape of its host army ants. It lives exclusively among New World army ant colonies, marching with them on raids.
Did You Know?
Its body shape so closely mimics that of its host ant that early entomologists initially classified it as an ant rather than a beetle.
African Hide Beetle
A small, rough-textured beetle covered in soil particles and debris that provide excellent camouflage. Its elytra have rows of tubercles that trap dirt. It feeds on dried animal remains in advanced stages of decomposition.
Did You Know?
When disturbed, hide beetles play dead and are nearly impossible to spot due to the dirt encrusted on their bodies.