Horn-headed Rove Beetle vs Japanese Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Horn-headed Rove Beetle Japanese Antlion
Scientific Name Bledius tricornis Hagenomyia micans
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Staphylinidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 3-5 mm 60-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Seed Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe, Central Asia Japan, Korea, Eastern China
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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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.

Japanese Antlion

A large East Asian antlion with glossy wings and a robust body. A familiar summer insect across Japan attracted to artificial lights.

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Did You Know?

In Japanese folklore, antlion larvae are called 'arijigoku' meaning 'ant hell.'