Clavigeritae
Guides
Fustiger
ant-loving beetles
Fustiger is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) beetles in the family Staphylinidae, belonging to the tribe Clavigerini. These beetles are highly specialized social parasites that live within ant colonies. The genus contains at least three described species: Fustiger fuchsii, Fustiger knausii, and Fustiger stricticornis. Members of this genus exhibit remarkable morphological adaptations for infiltrating ant nests and exploiting colony resources.
Fustiger fuchsii
Fustiger fuchsii is a species of myrmecophilous rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It belongs to the tribe Clavigerini, a group of highly specialized beetles that live as social parasites within ant colonies. The species was described by Brendel in 1866. Like other members of its tribe, it has evolved remarkable morphological adaptations for infiltrating ant nests and exploiting colony resources.