Palmetto Weevil vs Clavigerite Ant Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Palmetto Weevil Clavigerite Ant Beetle
Scientific Name Rhynchophorus cruentatus Claviger testaceus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Curculionidae Staphylinidae
Size 25-33 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Underground
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southeastern United States Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Palmetto Weevil

The largest weevil in North America, with variable black and red coloring. It attacks stressed cabbage palms and other palmetto species.

💡

Did You Know?

It can detect a stressed or dying palm tree from several kilometers away using chemical cues.

Clavigerite Ant Beetle

A tiny, blind, wingless rove beetle that is an obligate guest of Lasius ant colonies. It has lost its eyes and developed specialized trichomes that secrete ant-appeasing compounds.

💡

Did You Know?

It is so dependent on ants that it cannot survive more than a few hours outside their nest.