Narrow-necked Ant Beetle vs Klamath Weed Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Narrow-necked Ant Beetle | Klamath Weed Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dinarda dentata | Chrysolina quadrigemina |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 3-5 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Gall Makers | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Northern Asia | Europe (native), introduced to North America, Australia |
| 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.
Did You Know?
If attacked by an ant, this beetle raises its abdomen to present its appeasement glands, releasing chemicals that calm the aggressor.
Klamath Weed Beetle
A dark bronze to coppery-brown beetle with a convex, heavily punctured body. It was introduced to control the invasive Klamath weed (St. John's wort) and became a classic biocontrol success story.
Did You Know?
Its introduction to California in the 1940s reduced Klamath weed infestations by over 99%, saving millions of acres of rangeland.