African Myrmecophile Rove Beetle vs Mountain Long-legged Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Myrmecophile Rove Beetle Mountain Long-legged Fly
Scientific Name Dorylomimus kohli Dolichopus alpinus
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Staphylinidae Dolichopodidae
Size 4-6 mm 4-6 mm body length
Habitat Rivers & Streams Meadows
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Central Africa, West Africa Alps, Central European mountains
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.

Mountain Long-legged Fly

A metallic green fly with long legs found in damp alpine meadows. Males perform elaborate courtship displays using their ornamental leg scales.

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Did You Know?

Males wave their decorated legs like flags during courtship to impress females.