Tropical Ant-loving Rove Beetle vs North American Spongillafly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tropical Ant-loving Rove Beetle North American Spongillafly
Scientific Name Ecitophya simulans Climacia areolaris
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Staphylinidae Sisyridae
Size 4-6 mm 6-10 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Ponds & Lakes
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Central America, South America Eastern North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Tropical Ant-loving Rove Beetle

A myrmecophilous rove beetle from Central America that lives with Eciton army ants. Its body closely resembles the shape and color of its host ants.

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Did You Know?

It can switch between different army ant species, adapting its chemical profile to match each new host colony.

North American Spongillafly

A small spongillafly found across eastern North America near fresh water. Its larvae feed on freshwater sponges attached to submerged rocks and logs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae pupate on land inside double-walled cocoons after crawling out of the water.