African Stink Ant vs Powderpost Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Stink Ant Powderpost Beetle
Scientific Name Paltothyreus tarsatus Lyctus brunneus
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Formicidae Bostrichidae
Size 15-20 mm 3-7 mm
Habitat Indoors Indoors
Diet Seed Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

African Stink Ant

A very large black ponerine ant that releases a foul-smelling secretion when disturbed. It is one of Africa's most conspicuous ground-dwelling ants with a powerful sting.

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Did You Know?

Its defensive odor is so pungent it can be smelled by humans from over a meter away.

Powderpost Beetle

A small, slender reddish-brown beetle that reduces hardwood timber to fine powder. It is a significant pest of furniture and flooring.

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Did You Know?

Infested wood can be completely hollowed out while the exterior appears perfectly intact.