Army Ant Rove Beetle vs Desert Blister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Army Ant Rove Beetle | Desert Blister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ecitomorpha arachnoides | Epicauta puncticollis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 10-18 mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Meadows |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Central America, South America | North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Army Ant Rove Beetle
An extraordinary myrmecophilous rove beetle whose body remarkably mimics the shape of its host army ants. It lives exclusively among New World army ant colonies, marching with them on raids.
Did You Know?
Its body shape so closely mimics that of its host ant that early entomologists initially classified it as an ant rather than a beetle.
Desert Blister Beetle
A soft-bodied beetle that produces cantharidin, a blistering toxin, in its hemolymph. It feeds on desert wildflowers after seasonal rains.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are parasites that consume grasshopper eggs buried in desert soil.