Army Ant Rove Beetle vs Small Goldenring

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Army Ant Rove Beetle Small Goldenring
Scientific Name Ecitomorpha arachnoides Cordulegaster trinacriae
Order Coleoptera Odonata
Family Staphylinidae Cordulegastridae
Size 4-6 mm 65-74 mm
Habitat Underground Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Central America, South America Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

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.

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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.

Small Goldenring

A Mediterranean goldenring dragonfly found in Italy and nearby regions. It is smaller than most goldenrings and inhabits warm lowland streams.

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Did You Know?

Its name refers to Sicily (Trinacria), where it was first scientifically described.