Clavigerite Ant Beetle vs Black Darter
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Clavigerite Ant Beetle | Black Darter |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Claviger testaceus | Sympetrum danae |
| Order | Coleoptera | Odonata |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Libellulidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 29-34mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, North America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
It is so dependent on ants that it cannot survive more than a few hours outside their nest.
Black Darter
Britain s smallest dragonfly where mature males become entirely jet black, unique among European dragonflies. Females and immatures are yellow with black markings. It prefers acidic boggy habitats.
Did You Know?
Males are the only entirely black dragonfly in Europe, making them unmistakable at acidic bog pools.