Army Ant Rove Beetle vs Common Carpet Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Army Ant Rove Beetle | Common Carpet Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ecitomorpha arachnoides | Epirrhoe alternata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Geometridae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 22-27 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Underground | Grasslands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central America, South America | Europe, Asia, North America |
| 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.
Common Carpet Moth
A small moth with distinctive dark and light banded forewings creating a chequered pattern. It is double-brooded and flies from May to September.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most widespread geometrid moths, found across three continents.