Giant Trap-jaw Ant vs Common Red Rove Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Trap-jaw Ant Common Red Rove Beetle
Scientific Name Odontomachus hastatus Staphylinus erythropterus
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Formicidae Staphylinidae
Size 12-16 mm 14-18 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions South America Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Trap-jaw Ant

One of the largest trap-jaw ant species, building arboreal carton nests in tropical forests. Its elongated mandibles are held open at 180 degrees and triggered by sensory hairs.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most trap-jaw ants that nest on the ground, this species builds paper-like nests high in the forest canopy.

Common Red Rove Beetle

A large rove beetle with reddish-brown elytra and a velvety black body. It is a fast-running predator found in forests.

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Did You Know?

Despite having very short elytra, it can unfold full-sized hindwings and is a capable flier.