Ant-like
Guides
Myrmecocephalus cingulatus
Myrmecocephalus cingulatus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) in the tribe Falagriini. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States. The genus name 'Myrmecocephalus' (ant-head) refers to the ant-like appearance of these beetles. This species is rarely collected and poorly known biologically.
Myrmecoderus
Myrmecoderus is a genus of narrow-waisted bark beetles in the family Salpingidae. The genus contains three described species: M. dominicensis, M. laevipennis, and M. rileyi. These beetles are characterized by their constricted waist between the pronotum and elytra, a trait that distinguishes them from other beetle groups. The genus was formally described in 2005.
Notoxus
Hooded Antlike Flower Beetles
Notoxus is a large genus of ant-like beetles in the family Anthicidae, comprising approximately 300 species worldwide. Members are commonly known as "Hooded Antlike Flower Beetles" due to their pronounced pronotal hood structure and superficial resemblance to ants. The genus is taxonomically placed in the subfamily Notoxinae. Despite their ant-like appearance, they are beetles with complete metamorphosis. One species, Notoxus monoceros, has documented life cycle data in scientific literature.
Notoxus desertus
Desert Ant-like Flower Beetle
Notoxus desertus is a species of monoceros beetle in the family Anthicidae. It is distributed across Central America and North America, including Ontario, Canada. The species is commonly known as the Desert Ant-like Flower Beetle. Like other members of the genus Notoxus, it exhibits ant-mimicking morphology and is attracted to lights at night.
Parvindela cursitans
Ant-like Tiger Beetle
Parvindela cursitans, commonly known as the Ant-like Tiger Beetle, is a small, flightless tiger beetle species distributed across the central United States. Adults measure 6–8 mm in length and exhibit cryptic bronze coloration with green pitting on the elytra. The species inhabits bottomland forest habitats with sandy loam soils, particularly along major river systems. Unlike most tiger beetles, it is restricted to shaded forest understories rather than open, sunny areas. The species was historically rare in Missouri, known from only a single specimen until 2010, but subsequent surveys have revealed robust populations along the Mississippi River corridor.