Predatory Dung Beetle vs Saharan Silver Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Predatory Dung Beetle | Saharan Silver Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deltochilum valgum | Cataglyphis bombycina |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 5-10 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | South America | Africa |
| 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.
Saharan Silver Ant
The fastest ant in the world, sprinting across Saharan sand at midday when predators shelter from the heat. Its body is covered in silvery hairs that reflect sunlight.
Did You Know?
It can cover 100 body lengths per second, making it proportionally one of the fastest animals on Earth.