Horn-headed Rove Beetle vs Black Imported Fire Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Horn-headed Rove Beetle | Black Imported Fire Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bledius tricornis | Solenopsis richteri |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 2-6 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Grasslands |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Europe, Central Asia | South America, Southeastern United States |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Horn-headed Rove Beetle
A small rove beetle in which males bear three horn-like projections on the head, used in combat for burrow ownership. It is a specialist of sandy riparian habitats near rivers and lakes.
Did You Know?
Males with larger horns win more contests for burrow ownership, but hornless 'sneaker' males can also mate by entering burrows when the resident male is absent.
Black Imported Fire Ant
A dark-colored fire ant native to South America that has established populations in the southeastern United States. They build large earthen mounds in open areas.
Did You Know?
They frequently hybridize with the red imported fire ant in overlapping ranges, producing hybrid populations.