Ant Nest Beetle vs Creoleon Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ant Nest Beetle Creoleon Antlion
Scientific Name Paussus favieri Creoleon plumbeus
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Carabidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 5-8mm 55-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Africa Southern Europe, Middle East, North Africa
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Ant Nest Beetle

A bizarre reddish-brown beetle with swollen club-shaped antennae that lives inside ant nests. It mimics ant chemical signals to avoid detection.

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Did You Know?

It secretes chemicals from its antennae that drug the ants into a stupor allowing it to freely eat their brood.

Creoleon Antlion

A robust Mediterranean antlion with lead-grey coloring on the thorax. Found in dry, warm habitats across southern Europe and the Middle East.

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Did You Know?

Unlike classic antlions, its larvae lie buried in soil without building funnel traps.