Malagasy Rover Ant vs Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Rover Ant Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle
Scientific Name Tetramorium kelleri Akis spinosa
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Formicidae Tenebrionidae
Size 2-4 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Underground Underground
Diet Seed Feeders Herbivores
Regions Madagascar Malta, Mediterranean Islands
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Malagasy Rover Ant

A small, dark brown ant with rugose sculpture on the head and thorax. It is part of a massive endemic radiation of Tetramorium in Madagascar.

💡

Did You Know?

Madagascar harbors 113 endemic Tetramorium species, one of the most spectacular ant radiations on any island.

Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle

A spiny darkling beetle found on Malta and other Mediterranean islands. It has prominent ridges and spines along its elytra.

💡

Did You Know?

Its spiny armor and habit of playing dead make it unappealing to most predators.