Larger Citronella Ant vs Hildebrand's Jewel Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Larger Citronella Ant | Hildebrand's Jewel Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lasius interjectus | Sternocera hildebrandti |
| Order | Hymenoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Formicidae | Buprestidae |
| Size | 4-4.5 mm | 30-50 mm |
| Habitat | Caves | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Root Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Larger Citronella Ant
A subterranean yellow ant that emits a strong lemon-like odor when crushed. It lives entirely underground tending root-feeding aphids for honeydew.
Did You Know?
These ants are rarely seen above ground except during mating flights, when winged reproductives emerge in large swarms.
Hildebrand's Jewel Beetle
A large, robust jewel beetle with a deep metallic green body covered in fine punctures. It emerges in large numbers after seasonal rains in semi-arid areas.
Did You Know?
Its metallic coloration is so vivid that dead specimens retain their brilliance for decades, making them prized by collectors.