Arctic Rove Beetle vs Twig Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Arctic Rove Beetle Twig Ant
Scientific Name Quedius boops Pseudomyrmex gracilis
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Staphylinidae Formicidae
Size 6-9 mm 8-10 mm
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Scandinavia, Iceland, northern Russia, Scotland, Arctic Canada North America, Central America, South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Arctic Rove Beetle

A medium-sized rove beetle with a sleek black body and short elytra. It has large eyes for hunting in dim conditions. Found under stones and in moss on Arctic tundra where it preys on other invertebrates.

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Did You Know?

This beetle produces defensive chemical secretions from abdominal glands that deter would-be predators.

Twig Ant

A slender fast-moving ant that nests in hollow twigs and delivers a painful sting.

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Did You Know?

It has excellent vision and can spot approaching threats from several centimeters away.