Autumn Aphodius vs Slender Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Autumn Aphodius | Slender Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aphodius autumnalis | Myrmica scabrinodis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 4-6 mm | 3.5-5 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Autumn Aphodius
A small, dark reddish-brown dweller dung beetle that is most active in autumn. It has a shiny, rounded body with finely punctured elytra. Found predominantly in grasslands grazed by sheep and cattle.
Did You Know?
The seasonal peak of this species in autumn coincides with declining temperatures that reduce competition from summer-active species.
Slender Ant
A medium-sized red-brown ant with coarsely sculptured cuticle, common in grasslands across Europe. Colonies are typically monogynous with a single queen. Workers forage close to the nest in tussock grass.
Did You Know?
This species is an important host for the Dusky Large Blue butterfly in wetland habitats across Europe.