Svalbard Rove Beetle vs Harvester Ant
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Svalbard Rove Beetle | Harvester Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Atheta islandica | Messor barbarus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Staphylinidae | Formicidae |
| Size | 2-3 mm | 3-14 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Predators | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Iceland, Svalbard, northern Scandinavia, Greenland | Southern Europe, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Svalbard Rove Beetle
A tiny, dark brown rove beetle found in some of the most northerly terrestrial habitats on Earth. It shelters in bird nests and guano deposits where the microclimate is warmer. Adults are active predators of mites.
Did You Know?
This beetle survives in the High Arctic partly by living in seabird colonies where decomposing guano generates warmth.
Harvester Ant
A large, polymorphic harvester ant with impressive major workers that have broad heads for seed crushing. Workers form long foraging columns to collect seeds. They are among the most conspicuous ants in Mediterranean ecosystems.
Did You Know?
Majors can crack open seeds with their powerful mandibles that would take a human pliers to break.