Sand Dune Scarab vs Legionary Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sand Dune Scarab Legionary Ant
Scientific Name Pseudocotalpa andrewsi Neivamyrmex nigrescens
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Formicidae
Size 15-22 mm 2-5 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Deserts & Drylands
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions North America Southwestern United States, Mexico
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sand Dune Scarab

A metallic golden-green scarab beetle found only on desert sand dunes. Adults emerge briefly after rains to feed and mate.

💡

Did You Know?

It can burrow into loose sand in seconds using its broad, shovel-like forelegs.

Legionary Ant

The most common army ant species in the United States, conducting nocturnal column raids on other ant nests. Workers are small and reddish-brown with reduced eyes.

💡

Did You Know?

They are rarely seen because they raid almost exclusively at night and spend most of their time underground.