Narrow-necked Ant Beetle vs Indian Honey Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Narrow-necked Ant Beetle Indian Honey Bee
Scientific Name Dinarda dentata Apis cerana indica
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Staphylinidae Apidae
Size 3-5 mm 10-13 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe, Northern Asia South Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Pakistan)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Narrow-necked Ant Beetle

A flattened, reddish-brown aleocharine rove beetle that inhabits Formica ant nests as a tolerated guest. Its flattened body allows it to move easily through narrow ant nest galleries.

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Did You Know?

If attacked by an ant, this beetle raises its abdomen to present its appeasement glands, releasing chemicals that calm the aggressor.

Indian Honey Bee

A small, dark-banded honey bee native to the Indian subcontinent and the primary managed bee species in traditional Indian beekeeping. It builds multiple-comb nests in enclosed cavities and is well-adapted to tropical conditions.

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Did You Know?

Indian honey bees can thermoregulate their hive by fanning their wings and have a unique defense called 'heat balling' where they suffocate hornet intruders.