Malagasy Trap-jaw Ant vs Temognatha Jewel Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Trap-jaw Ant Temognatha Jewel Beetle
Scientific Name Mystrium oberthueri Temognatha alternata
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Amblyoponidae Buprestidae
Size 4-7 mm 25-45 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Root Feeders
Regions Madagascar Western Australia
Conservation Data Deficient Not Evaluated

Malagasy Trap-jaw Ant

A pale yellow to amber ant with elongated mandibles that can snap shut at extreme speeds. It is closely related to M. camillae and shares the Dracula ant feeding behavior.

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Did You Know?

Like other Dracula ants, workers feed by non-destructively puncturing larval skin and drinking hemolymph, a practice unique among ants.

Temognatha Jewel Beetle

A large Australian jewel beetle with bold yellow and black striped elytra. Found in eucalyptus forests and woodlands.

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Did You Know?

Australia has over 1,200 species of jewel beetles, more than any other continent.