California Root Borer vs Clavigerite Ant Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute California Root Borer Clavigerite Ant Beetle
Scientific Name Prionus californicus Claviger testaceus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cerambycidae Staphylinidae
Size 35-60 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Orchards Underground
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions Western United States, British Columbia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

California Root Borer

A massive prionine beetle found in western North America, one of the largest beetles in the region. Males have conspicuously large, serrated antennae. Larvae are root borers that attack both living and dead trees.

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Did You Know?

Larvae of this species have been found feeding on roots over 2 meters deep in the soil.

Clavigerite Ant Beetle

A tiny, blind, wingless rove beetle that is an obligate guest of Lasius ant colonies. It has lost its eyes and developed specialized trichomes that secrete ant-appeasing compounds.

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Did You Know?

It is so dependent on ants that it cannot survive more than a few hours outside their nest.