Ant Nest Beetle vs Larch Ladybird
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ant Nest Beetle | Larch Ladybird |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Paussus favieri | Aphidecta obliterata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Carabidae | Coccinellidae |
| Size | 5-8mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | Europe, Africa | Europe |
| 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.
Did You Know?
It secretes chemicals from its antennae that drug the ants into a stupor allowing it to freely eat their brood.
Larch Ladybird
A small brown ladybird that specializes on larch-feeding aphids in European conifer forests. Its cryptic coloration helps it blend in with bark.
Did You Know?
It overwinters in large aggregations under bark flakes, sometimes numbering in the thousands.