Formica-associate
Guides
Cremastocheilus castaneae
anteater scarab beetle
Cremastocheilus castaneae is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle known as an 'anteater scarab' for its specialized predatory relationship with ants. Adults and larvae inhabit ant colonies, primarily those of mound-building Formica species, where they feed on ant brood. The species exhibits remarkable morphological and behavioral adaptations for colony infiltration and survival, including death-feigning behavior to gain entry and dense, armored exoskeletons for protection. It is one of approximately 35 North American species in the genus Cremastocheilus, which reaches greatest diversity in the desert southwest but occurs across much of the United States and southern Canada.
Cremastocheilus harrisii
Eastern Ant-loving Scarab
Cremastocheilus harrisii is a species of anteater scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. As a member of the genus Cremastocheilus, it exhibits the specialized myrmecophilous lifestyle characteristic of this group, living within ant colonies and feeding on ant brood. The species is part of a genus of approximately 35 North American species that have evolved remarkable morphological and behavioral adaptations for surviving in hostile ant nest environments.
Cremastocheilus squamulosus
Cremastocheilus squamulosus is a species of anteater scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Like other members of its genus, it is a myrmecophile that lives within ant colonies. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, where it has been recorded from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Cremastocheilus wheeleri
Cremastocheilus wheeleri is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarabs. Adults and larvae live within ant colonies as predators, feeding on ant larvae and pupae. The species exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for surviving in hostile ant nests, including dense exoskeletal armor, modified mouthparts for piercing ant brood, and death-feigning behavior to gain entry to nests. It is found in western and central North America, primarily associated with mound-building ants in the genus Formica.