Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant vs Red Flour Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant Red Flour Beetle
Scientific Name Trachymyrmex septentrionalis Tribolium castaneum
Order Hymenoptera Coleoptera
Family Formicidae Tenebrionidae
Size 3-5 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Detritivores Seed Feeders
Regions Eastern United States Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Trachymyrmex Fungus-growing Ant

A small fungus-growing ant of eastern North America related to leafcutters. It collects dead plant material, caterpillar frass, and insect parts to feed its fungus garden.

💡

Did You Know?

It is the northernmost fungus-growing ant species, found as far north as Long Island, New York.

Red Flour Beetle

A small, reddish-brown beetle that is one of the most important stored-grain pests worldwide. It is also a key model organism in genetics.

💡

Did You Know?

It was the first beetle to have its entire genome sequenced, advancing insect genomics.