African Net-winged Beetle vs Golden Ant Guest Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Net-winged Beetle | Golden Ant Guest Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lycus trabeatus | Pella funesta |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Lycidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 15-30 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Scavengers |
| Regions | East Africa, Southern Africa | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
African Net-winged Beetle
A brightly orange-red beetle with distinctive net-like wing venation and broad expanded elytra. It is toxic and serves as a model for many mimicry complexes.
Did You Know?
Several unrelated beetle and moth species mimic its bright warning coloration to gain protection from predators.
Golden Ant Guest Beetle
A small aleocharine rove beetle that lives at the periphery of Lasius ant nests, feeding on refuse and dead ants. It uses chemical mimicry to avoid aggression from its host ants.
Did You Know?
When detected by an ant, this beetle deploys a tergal gland secretion that causes the ant to briefly freeze, allowing the beetle to escape.