Army Ant Rove Beetle vs Striped Turnip Flea Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Army Ant Rove Beetle Striped Turnip Flea Beetle
Scientific Name Ecitomorpha arachnoides Phyllotreta undulata
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Chrysomelidae
Size 4-6 mm 1.5-2.5 mm
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Omnivores Herbivores
Regions Central America, South America Europe
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.

Striped Turnip Flea Beetle

A tiny flea beetle with sinuous yellow stripes that is a significant pest of brassica seedlings. Shothole damage to leaves is characteristic. One of several damaging Phyllotreta species.

💡

Did You Know?

Emerging seedlings can be destroyed overnight by large numbers of these tiny beetles creating characteristic shot-holes.