Khapra Beetle vs Mediterranean Harvester Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Khapra Beetle Mediterranean Harvester Ant
Scientific Name Trogoderma granarium Messor capitatus
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Dermestidae Formicidae
Size 2-3 mm 4-12 mm
Habitat Gardens Heathland
Diet Seed Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions South Asia; quarantine pest worldwide Mediterranean Europe, North Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Khapra Beetle

A small, oval, hairy beetle considered one of the world's most destructive stored-product pests. Larvae can enter dormancy for years.

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Did You Know?

It is so destructive that it is on quarantine watchlists in over 60 countries.

Mediterranean Harvester Ant

A large dark brown harvester ant common in southern Europe and North Africa. Major workers have distinctly enlarged heads relative to their body size. Colonies build deep nests with specialized seed storage chambers.

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Did You Know?

Workers chew seeds into a paste called 'ant bread' which they store in dry chambers and feed to larvae.