Mediterranean Drilus vs Golden-tailed Bull Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mediterranean Drilus Golden-tailed Bull Ant
Scientific Name Drilus mauritanicus Myrmecia chrysogaster
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Drilidae Formicidae
Size 5-7 mm (male), 15-20 mm (female) 15-22 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Predators Nectar Feeders
Regions North Africa, Mediterranean Australia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mediterranean Drilus

A North African drilus beetle with small winged males bearing brown elytra and pectinate antennae. The larviform females are specialized predators of Mediterranean land snails.

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Did You Know?

After consuming a snail, the female lays her eggs inside the empty snail shell, which also serves as protection for the developing larvae.

Golden-tailed Bull Ant

A strikingly coloured bull ant with a distinctive golden-yellow gaster and reddish-brown head and thorax. Like other Myrmecia species, it possesses a powerful sting and excellent eyesight.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most ants, bull ant workers hunt individually rather than cooperatively, relying on their keen vision.