Tropical Ant-loving Rove Beetle vs Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tropical Ant-loving Rove Beetle Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle
Scientific Name Ecitophya simulans Pyrochroa serraticornis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Staphylinidae Pyrochroidae
Size 4-6 mm 14-20 mm
Habitat Underground Hedgerows
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Central America, South America Europe
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.

Red-Headed Cardinal Beetle

A vivid red beetle with serrated antennae found on flowers and under bark. Larvae are predatory and live beneath the bark of dead trees.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most beetles, the bright red color is not a warning of toxicity but may mimic toxic species.