Australian Stink Ant vs Four-spotted Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Australian Stink Ant | Four-spotted Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Iridomyrmex bicknelli | Drusilla canaliculata |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 3-4 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Sap Feeders | Scavengers |
| Regions | Australia, Oceania | Europe, Northern Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Australian Stink Ant
A small, fast-moving ant that releases a strong, unpleasant odour when crushed, giving it its common name. It forms large colonies and is one of the most common ants in Australian suburban environments.
Did You Know?
Iridomyrmex ants dominate Australian ant communities and are among the most ecologically successful ants in the Southern Hemisphere.
Four-spotted Rove Beetle
A small, flattened aleocharine rove beetle with a distinctive channeled pronotum and brownish coloration. It is frequently found in and around ant nests where it scavenges on nest debris.
Did You Know?
This beetle produces a defensive spray from abdominal glands that deters attacking ants, allowing it to live safely near ant colonies.