Sclerodermus carolinensis
Sclerodermus carolinensis is a small in the Bethylidae, native to the southeastern United States. are typically 1.5–6 mm in length and often wingless, making them easily mistaken for ants. The parasitizes wood-boring beetles and occasionally co-infests homes where such beetles are present. Females are long-lived (up to seven months) and greatly outnumber males, which are short-lived (about one week).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sclerodermus carolinensis: /ˌsklɛrəˈdɜrməs ˌkæroʊlɪˈnɛnsɪs/
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Distribution
Southeastern United States.
Host Associations
- wood-boring beetles - Main ; co- of homes occurs when wood-boring beetles are present
Human Relevance
Capable of stinging humans when infesting homes, though home appear rare in North America compared to European Sclerodermus . Wingless leads to confusion with ants by untrained observers.
Similar Taxa
- Sclerodermus macrogasterAlso native to southeastern U.S.; requires microscopic examination and reference to museum specimens for reliable separation
- Sclerodermus venturaThird North American in ; distinguished by morphological details requiring identification
- Sclerodermus domesticusEuropean frequently reported stinging humans in Italy; not native to North America but similar in and appearance