Golden-backed Snipe Fly vs Atemeles Ant Guest Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Golden-backed Snipe Fly | Atemeles Ant Guest Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Chrysopilus thoracicus | Lomechusoides strumosus |
| Order | Diptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Rhagionidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 5-6 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Parasites |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Central Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Golden-backed Snipe Fly
A striking fly with golden thoracic hairs and dark wings that rests head-down on foliage. Larvae are predators in soil and leaf litter.
Did You Know?
It characteristically rests on vegetation with its head pointed downward, ready to pounce on passing prey.
Atemeles Ant Guest Beetle
A parasitic rove beetle that lives in ant nests, switching between Formica and Myrmica host species seasonally. Its larvae are raised by ants alongside their own brood.
Did You Know?
It migrates between two different ant species each year, overwintering with one and breeding with another.