Ant-Nest Rove Beetle vs Pine Hawk-moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Ant-Nest Rove Beetle | Pine Hawk-moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atemeles emarginatus | Sphinx pinastri |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Sphingidae |
| Size | 5-7 mm | 70-87 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Farmland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Central Europe | Europe, temperate Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Ant-Nest Rove Beetle
A small, amber-brown rove beetle that parasitizes two different ant species during its life cycle. Larvae develop in Formica nests and adults move to Myrmica nests.
Did You Know?
It switches host ant species seasonally, overwintering with Myrmica ants and breeding in Formica nests in summer.
Pine Hawk-moth
A sleek grey hawk-moth with dark streaks that provide perfect camouflage against pine bark. It is strongly associated with conifer plantations and native pinewoods.
Did You Know?
When resting on a pine trunk, its streamlined body and bark-like colouring make it almost impossible to spot.