Warehouse Beetle vs European Fire Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Warehouse Beetle European Fire Ant
Scientific Name Trogoderma variabile Myrmica rubra
Order Coleoptera Hymenoptera
Family Dermestidae Formicidae
Size 2-3.5 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Indoors Meadows
Diet Seed Feeders Seed Feeders
Regions North America, Australia, Europe Europe, Northeastern North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Warehouse Beetle

A stored product beetle closely related to the khapra beetle that infests grain, cereals, and dried foods. Its hairy larvae contaminate food products and can cause allergic reactions.

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Did You Know?

It is so similar to the quarantine-regulated khapra beetle that expert identification is needed to tell them apart.

European Fire Ant

A small reddish ant capable of delivering a noticeable sting, common across European meadows. It has recently invaded parts of northeastern North America where it forms dense populations.

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Did You Know?

It is the primary host ant for the endangered large blue butterfly, whose larvae mimic ant grubs to infiltrate colonies.