Cremastocheilus nitens

LeConte, 1853

anteater scarab beetle

Cremastocheilus nitens is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarab beetles. Like other members of this genus, it lives within colonies as a of ant . The is native to the central United States and exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for survival inside hostile ant nests, including dense armored and modified mouthparts for feeding on ant larvae and pupae.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Cremastocheilus nitens: //krɛməstoʊˈkeɪləs ˈnaɪtɛnz//

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Distribution

Central United States: Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota.

Diet

of larvae and pupae; feed on ant within colonies.

Host Associations

Life Cycle

Females lay singly in soil around nest periphery. Larvae feed on decaying vegetation composted by ants, progressing through three instars before pupating in oval soil chambers. Development from egg to takes approximately four months. Adults emerge in late summer or fall, accumulate colony scent while moving to nest center, and become through winter. Spring activity resumes with feeding on ant .

Behavior

enter nests by 'playing dead' () in areas trafficked by ants; scavenging ants carry the motionless beetles into the nest. Adults are capable fliers and fast, but crash-land in areas frequented by scouting ants during . Larvae defend against ant attacks by striking with jaws and secreting repulsive liquids from mandibular and anal glands.

Ecological Role

within colonies; densities in individual nests can reach 200 individuals, though most excavated colonies yield 20-30 beetles or larvae.

Tags

Sources and further reading