Atemeles Ant Guest Beetle vs Spring Dor Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Atemeles Ant Guest Beetle | Spring Dor Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lomechusoides strumosus | Geotrupes vernalis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 5-6 mm | 12-20 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Heathland |
| Diet | Parasites | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Central Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Atemeles Ant Guest Beetle
A parasitic rove beetle that lives in ant nests, switching between Formica and Myrmica host species seasonally. Its larvae are raised by ants alongside their own brood.
Did You Know?
It migrates between two different ant species each year, overwintering with one and breeding with another.
Spring Dor Beetle
A medium-sized, metallic blue-green to violet dung beetle active in spring. Unlike other dor beetles, the metallic coloration is visible dorsally. It digs deep burrows provisioned with dung for its larvae.
Did You Know?
Despite its name, this beetle is actually most active in autumn in many parts of its range.