Predatory Dung Beetle vs Clavigerite Ant Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Predatory Dung Beetle | Clavigerite Ant Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deltochilum valgum | Claviger testaceus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Underground |
| Diet | Predators | Omnivores |
| Regions | South America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Predatory Dung Beetle
An unusual roller dung beetle that has evolved predatory behavior, actively hunting and killing millipedes. It is dark brown to black with a flattened body shape. The species represents a remarkable dietary shift within dung beetles.
Did You Know?
This is one of the only known predatory dung beetles, using its clypeus to decapitate millipedes before rolling the carcass away.
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.