African Myrmecophile Rove Beetle vs Golden Reed Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Myrmecophile Rove Beetle Golden Reed Beetle
Scientific Name Dorylomimus kohli Donacia vulgaris
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Chrysomelidae
Size 4-6 mm 7-10 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Wetlands
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Central Africa, West Africa Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

African Myrmecophile Rove Beetle

A rove beetle that lives with army ant colonies in tropical Africa, mimicking the ants in body shape. It travels with the nomadic ant colony during emigrations.

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Did You Know?

Its body shape so closely mimics that of its host ants that it was initially described as an ant rather than a beetle.

Golden Reed Beetle

A slender, metallic beetle with golden to coppery-green coloration and elongated antennae. It is commonly found resting on emergent aquatic vegetation in ponds and marshes.

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Did You Know?

Adults possess hydrophobic hairs on their underside that trap a thin film of air, allowing them to survive brief submersion.