Myrmecophile

Guides

• Actiastes fundatum

  Actiastes fundatum is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Grigarick & Schuster in 1971. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small rove beetles known for their myrmecophilous associations. The species is documented from North America. Very few observations exist, with only two records in iNaturalist.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleStaphylinidaePselaphinaeNorth-Americadata-deficient

• Actiastes globiferum

  ant-loving beetle

  Actiastes globiferum is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by LeConte in 1849. It belongs to a group commonly referred to as 'ant-loving beetles,' which are known for their associations with ant colonies. The species is documented from North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.

  rove-beetlemyrmecophileNorth-America

• Adranes

  ant-loving beetles

  Adranes is a genus of obligately myrmecophilous beetles in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. These small beetles are entirely dependent on ants of the genus Lasius, living as inquilines within their nests. The six described species share extreme morphological adaptations for this lifestyle, including complete eyelessness, reduced mouthparts, and highly modified antennae. They are known from North America, with species distributed across the United States and Pacific coast regions.

  myrmecophileinquilineblindeyelessant-associatedStaphylinidaePselaphinaeNorth-AmericaLasiussymbiosismorphological-reductionClavigerini

• Adranes coecus

  Adranes coecus is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is known from eastern North America. The species belongs to the tribe Clavigerini, whose members are obligate myrmecophiles, living in close association with ant colonies.

  myrmecophilePselaphinaeStaphylinidaeColeopteraeastern-North-Americaant-associatedClavigerini

• Adranes dietzii

  Adranes dietzii is a minute rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, described by Schaeffer in 1906. The species belongs to the tribe Clavigerini, a group known for myrmecophilous (ant-associated) habits. It has been recorded from California, USA. Like other members of its tribe, it likely exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for life with ants.

  myrmecophilePselaphinaeCalifornia-endemic

• Adranes lecontei

  LeConte's Ant-loving Rove Beetle

  Adranes lecontei is a species of ant-loving rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is an obligate myrmecophile, meaning it lives in association with ants. The species is known from North America, with records from Canada and the United States.

  myrmecophileant-loving-beetlerove-beetlePselaphinae

• Adranes taylori

  Taylor's Ant-loving Rove Beetle

  Adranes taylori is a species of myrmecophilous rove beetle in the tribe Clavigerini, described by Wickham in 1901. Members of this genus are obligate associates of ants, possessing specialized morphological adaptations for life within ant colonies. The species occurs in western North America from British Columbia to California.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleant-associatedwestern-North-AmericaClavigeriniPselaphinae

• Antennophorus

  Antennophorus is a genus of mites in the family Antennophoridae. The genus was described by Haller in 1877. At least one species, Antennophorus grandis, is a documented obligate ectoparasite of ants, specifically riding on workers of Lasius flavus and feeding through host manipulation. The genus includes multiple described species, though detailed life history information is available primarily for A. grandis.

  ant-associatedectoparasitemyrmecophilehaplodiploid

• Aphis

  Aphis is a large genus of aphids in the family Aphididae containing at least 400–600 species. The genus includes numerous significant agricultural pests, notably the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), and apple aphid (Aphis pomi). Many species form mutualistic associations with ants (myrmecophily), exchanging honeydew for protection. Species identification within the genus often requires examination of morphological characters such as siphunculi and cauda structure.

  aphidagricultural-pestmyrmecophilephloem-feederparthenogenesishoneydewvectorinvasive-species

• Arthmius morsus

  ant-loving beetle

  Arthmius morsus is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Fletcher in 1932. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group characterized by small size and association with ant colonies. The species is documented from Arizona, USA. Like other members of the tribe Batrisini, it is presumed to inhabit ant nests, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.

  ant-loving-beetlemyrmecophileStaphylinidaePselaphinaeArizona-endemic

• Attaphila

  Attaphila is a genus of minute myrmecophilous cockroaches that inhabit the fungus gardens of leaf-cutting ants. The genus comprises nine described species, divided into two host-specific groups: the bergi-group associated with Acromyrmex ants, and the fungicola-group associated with Atta ants. These cockroaches possess unique morphological adaptations for life within ant colonies, including specialized antennal structures and modified leg morphology.

  myrmecophileinquilinephoreticchemical-mimicryfungus-gardenleaf-cutting-ant-associate

• Attaphila fungicola

  ant cockroach

  Attaphila fungicola is a small myrmecophilous cockroach species described by Wheeler in 1900. The species is notable for its obligate association with leaf-cutter ants (Atta spp.), living within ant colonies. It belongs to the family Ectobiidae and has been documented in Texas and other parts of North America. The common name "ant cockroach" reflects this specialized ecological relationship.

  myrmecophileinquilineleaf-cutter-ant-associateNorth-AmericaTexasobligate-symbiont

• Batrisodes frontalis

  Batrisodes frontalis is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by LeConte in 1849. It is distributed across northern North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with ant colonies, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is one of several in the genus Batrisodes found in North America.

  ant-associatedmyrmecophilerove-beetlepselaphineNorth-Americanforest

• Batrisodes mendocino

  Batrisodes mendocino is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Casey in 1886. It is an ant-loving beetle (myrmecophile) that has been documented in California, USA. The species epithet refers to Mendocino County or the broader Mendocino region of coastal northern California. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with ant colonies, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleCalifornia-endemicStaphylinidae

• Biotus

  ant-loving beetles

  Biotus is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, characterized by their association with ants. The genus contains a single described species, Biotus formicarius, described by Casey in 1887. Members of this genus are classified as myrmecophiles—organisms that live in association with ant colonies.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleraremonotypic

• Caccoplectus

  Caccoplectus is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was established by Sharp in 1887 and contains approximately nine described species. These beetles are associated with ant colonies, a common ecological strategy among pselaphine beetles. Most species have been described from the Neotropical region, particularly Central America.

  myrmecophileant-associatedpselaphinerove-beetleNeotropicalStaphylinidaePselaphinaeArhytodinitropicalant-colony-inhabitantinquilinemicrohabitat-specialistleaf-littersoil-dwellingcrypticrarely-collectedsmall-beetlemorphologically-specialized1887-descriptionSharpCentral-AmericaPanamaColeopteraPolyphagaStaphyliniformiaStaphylinoideaPselaphitaegenus-levelnine-speciesconicusdegallierilucidusnuttingipectinatusschwarzisentisspinipessucineasspine-legged-pselaphidChandlerWoldaSchaeffer190619761986type-species-unknownrarely-observediNaturalist:-2-observationsCatalogue-of-Life-acceptedGBIF-acceptedNCBI-acceptedEukaryotaMetazoaHexapodaInsectaArthropodaAnimaliabeetleinsectarthropodanimal

• Cedius spinosus

  Cedius spinosus is a small rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group commonly known as ant-loving beetles. The species is native to North America. Pselaphinae beetles are typically minute, with reduced elytra and compact bodies adapted for life in soil litter and ant colonies.

  ant-loving-beetlerove-beetleNorth-American-faunasoil-faunamyrmecophile

• Conoplectus

  Conoplectus is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Brendel in 1888. The genus contains five described species, all described or redescribed by Carlton in 1983 except for C. canaliculatus, which was originally described by LeConte in 1849. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles commonly associated with ants and other social insects.

  ant-loving-beetlemyrmecophilerove-beetlePselaphinaeStaphylinidaeColeoptera

• Cremastocheilus angularis

  anteater scarab beetle

  Cremastocheilus angularis is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle species in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarabs. Like other members of this genus, it is believed to live within ant colonies as a predator of ant larvae and pupae, though specific details for this species remain limited. The species name 'angularis' refers to the angular body shape characteristic of the genus. It occurs in western North America, with confirmed records from California.

  myrmecophilescarabaeidaepredatorformicidaenearctic

• Cremastocheilus armatus

  anteater scarab beetle

  Cremastocheilus armatus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle specialized for life within ant colonies. The species exhibits extreme morphological adaptations including reduced eyes, shortened elytra exposing most of the abdomen, and dense trichomes on abdominal tergites. Males display prominent pronotal horns absent in females. The beetle integrates into host ant colonies where it obtains food through interactions with worker ants.

  myrmecophileinquilinescarab-beetleant-associatesexual-dimorphismthanatosis

• Cremastocheilus armatus montanus

  Cremastocheilus armatus montanus is a subspecies of anteater scarab beetle, a myrmecophilous beetle that lives within ant colonies. Adults and larvae are predators of ant brood, feeding on ant larvae and pupae. The subspecies occurs in western North America at higher elevations, with records from montane regions of California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and British Columbia. Like other members of the genus, it exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for life within ant nests, including a heavily armored exoskeleton and modified mouthparts for piercing ant larvae.

  myrmecophilepredatormontanewestern-North-Americascarab-beetleant-nest-associate

• Cremastocheilus canaliculatus

  anteater scarab beetle

  Cremastocheilus canaliculatus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae. Adults are approximately 10 mm in length, dull black, flattened, and heavily armored with a dense, pitted exoskeleton. The species is an obligate associate of ant colonies, where adults prey on ant larvae and pupae. It occurs in eastern North America, ranging from Ontario and Quebec south through the eastern United States.

  myrmecophilesocial-parasitepredatorthanatosisScarabaeidaeCetoniinae

• 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.

  myrmecophilepredatorscarab-beetleFormica-associatedeath-feigningcryptic-lifestyle

• Cremastocheilus constricticollis

  Cremastocheilus constricticollis is a species of anteater scarab beetle native to the southwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a myrmecophile that lives within ant colonies as a predator of ant larvae and pupae. The species exhibits specialized morphological adaptations including a dense, heavily armored exoskeleton and modified mouthparts for piercing soft ant cuticle. Adults are known to employ death-feigning behavior to gain entry to ant nests. The species was described by Cazier in 1940 and is among roughly 35 recognized North American species in this genus, which is currently undergoing taxonomic revision.

  myrmecophileparasitepredatordeath-feigningthanatosisscarab-beetleant-nestsouthwestern-United-States

• Cremastocheilus depressus

  Anteater scarab beetle

  Cremastocheilus depressus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarabs. Adults are specialized predators of ant larvae and pupae, living within colonies of mound-building ants. The species exhibits remarkable morphological and behavioral adaptations for infiltrating and surviving in ant nests, including death-feigning behavior to gain entry and dense, heavily armored exoskeletons for protection.

  myrmecophilesocial-parasitepredatorscarab-beetleant-nest-inhabitantthanatosisdeath-feigning

• 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.

  myrmecophilescarab-beetlepredatorparasiteFormica-associatedeath-feigningcryptic-lifestyle

• Cremastocheilus knochii

  Cremastocheilus knochii is a species of myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. As a member of the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarabs, it is expected to exhibit the specialized adaptations characteristic of this group: obligate association with ant colonies, predatory feeding on ant brood, and morphological modifications for survival within hostile ant nests. The species is one of approximately 35 recognized Cremastocheilus species in North America north of Mexico.

  ColeopteraScarabaeidaeCremastocheilusmyrmecophileanteater-scarabant-associated-beetle

• Cremastocheilus maritimus

  Cremastocheilus maritimus is a species of anteater scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. Like other members of its genus, it is a myrmecophile that lives within ant colonies and feeds on ant brood. The species was described by Casey in 1915 and is known from coastal California. It shares the genus-wide adaptations for ant colony infiltration, including death-feigning behavior to gain entry and specialized mouthparts for piercing ant larvae.

  myrmecophilescarab-beetleant-predatordeath-feigningCalifornia-endemicCetoniinae

• Cremastocheilus mexicanus

  Anteater scarab beetle

  Cremastocheilus mexicanus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the tribe Cremastocheilini. The species is part of a genus of approximately 35 North American species known as 'anteater scarabs' for their specialized predatory relationship with ants. Adults and larvae inhabit ant colonies where they feed on ant brood, exhibiting remarkable morphological and behavioral adaptations for this lifestyle. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.

  MyrmecophileSocial-parasiteThanatosisSpecialized-predatorScarabaeidaeCetoniinaeAnt-associate

• Cremastocheilus nitens

  anteater scarab beetle

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

  myrmecophilepredatorscarabant-associateNorth-AmericaColeoptera

• Cremastocheilus opaculus

  Cremastocheilus opaculus is a species of anteater scarab beetle, one of approximately 35 North American species in the genus Cremastocheilus. Like other members of this genus, it is myrmecophilous, living within ant colonies where adults prey upon ant larvae and pupae. The species exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for this lifestyle, including a heavily armored exoskeleton and modified mouthparts. It has been documented from California and Baja California.

  myrmecophilepredatorsocial-parasitescarab-beetleant-associatethanatosisdeath-feigning

• Cremastocheilus planipes

  Cremastocheilus planipes is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarabs. These beetles are specialized inhabitants of ant colonies, where they live as predators of ant brood. The species exhibits remarkable morphological and behavioral adaptations for infiltrating and surviving within hostile ant nests. Like other members of its genus, C. planipes is poorly studied and infrequently encountered due to its cryptic lifestyle.

  myrmecophileparasitepredatorscarabant-associatedcrypticdesert-fauna

• Cremastocheilus puncticollis

  anteater scarab beetle

  Cremastocheilus puncticollis is a species of anteater scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Like other members of the genus Cremastocheilus, this species is a specialized myrmecophile that lives within ant colonies. The species is found in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona and California. Adults are predators of ant larvae and pupae, employing remarkable behavioral and morphological adaptations to infiltrate and survive within hostile ant nests.

  myrmecophilepredatorscarab-beetleant-associatedeath-feigningthanatosisdesert-faunaspecialized-predator

• Cremastocheilus quadratus

  anteater scarab beetle

  Cremastocheilus quadratus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, first described by Fall in 1912. Like other members of its genus, it lives within ant colonies as a predator of ant larvae and pupae. The species is found in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

  myrmecophileparasitepredatorscarab-beetleant-associate

• Cremastocheilus retractus

  Cremastocheilus retractus is a species of anteater scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Like other members of its genus, this species is myrmecophilous, living within ant colonies where adults feed on ant larvae and pupae. The species occurs in central North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: C. r. retractus and C. r. incisus.

  myrmecophilepredatorscarabant-associated

• Cremastocheilus saucius

  anteater scarab beetle

  Cremastocheilus saucius 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 as a predator of ant brood. The species is found in the southwestern and central United States and northern Mexico. It exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for surviving in hostile ant nest environments.

  myrmecophilepredatorscarab-beetleant-associatedeath-feigningNorth-America

• Cremastocheilus schaumii

  anteater scarab beetle

  Cremastocheilus schaumii is a North American scarab beetle notable for its obligate myrmecophilous lifestyle. Adults live within ant colonies as predators of ant larvae and pupae, employing specialized morphological adaptations to avoid detection and expulsion by host workers. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving death-feigning behavior to gain entry to nests, chemical camouflage through acquisition of colony scent, and modified mouthparts for piercing ant brood. Two subspecies are recognized: C. s. schaumii and C. s. tibialis.

  myrmecophilepredatorscarab-beetleant-associatedeath-feigningparasite

• Cremastocheilus spinifer

  anteater scarab beetle

  Cremastocheilus spinifer is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle species that lives within ant colonies as a predator of ant brood. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits remarkable behavioral and morphological adaptations for infiltrating and surviving in hostile ant nest environments. The species is part of a group of approximately 35 North American species known as "anteater scarabs" for their specialized diet of ant larvae and pupae.

  myrmecophilescarab-beetlepredatorant-associatethanatosiscryptic-lifestyle

• 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.

  myrmecophileparasitepredatorscarab-beetleFormica-associate

• 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.

  myrmecophilepredatorinquilinescarab-beetleFormica-associateprairiethanatosis

• Crematoxenini

  Crematoxenini is a tribe of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae) established by Mann in 1921. The tribe comprises eleven genera and approximately eighteen described species. Members of this tribe are myrmecophiles, living in association with army ants (Ecitoninae).

  myrmecophilerove-beetlearmy-ant-associateNeotropical

• Ctenistini

  ant-loving beetles

  Ctenistini is a tribe of minute ant-loving beetles in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae, specifically within the subfamily Pselaphinae. The tribe was established by Blanchard in 1845 with Ctenistes as the type genus. It comprises at least five genera and approximately six described species, though the group remains poorly studied.

  StaphylinidaePselaphinaemyrmecophilerove-beetleant-loving-beetleleaf-litter-fauna

• Cylindrarctus crinifer

  Cylindrarctus crinifer is a small ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The species is known from scattered records across the eastern and central United States. Like other members of the tribe Tychini, it is associated with ant colonies. Published information on its biology remains limited.

  myrmecophilePselaphinaeTychiniNorth-American-faunasoil-faunaleaf-litter-fauna

• Cyphomyrmex

  fungus-growing ants

  Cyphomyrmex is a genus of small, drab-colored fungus-growing ants in the tribe Attini, found primarily in the Neotropics. These ants cultivate fungi in the tribe Leucocoprineae as their primary food source, with most species growing fungal nodules rather than full mycelial gardens. Colonies are typically monogynous and small, rarely exceeding 500 workers. The genus is divided into two species complexes: the strigatus complex (South America only) and the rimosus complex (southern North America to South America). Cyphomyrmex represents a basal lineage among attine ants and serves as sister group to Mycetophylax.

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• Dalmosanus steevesi

  Dalmosanus steevesi is a species of ant-loving beetle (myrmecophile) in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It is a small rove beetle known to inhabit ant colonies. The species was described in 1968 from North American specimens.

  myrmecophileant-loving-beetlerove-beetlePselaphinaeTrichonychiniNorth-AmericaUnited-StatesSchuster-&-Grigarick-1968

• Decarthron

  Decarthron is a genus of ant-loving beetles (myrmecophiles) in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. The genus contains more than 20 described species. These beetles belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group characterized by small body size and association with ants or other social insects. The genus was established by Brendel in 1865.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleant-loving-beetle

• Dinardilla liometopi

  Dinardilla liometopi is a small rove beetle described by Wasmann in 1901. It belongs to the tribe Sceptobiini within the large subfamily Aleocharinae. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Very few observations exist in public databases, indicating it is rarely collected or potentially cryptic in habit.

  rove-beetlemyrmecophileant-associaterarely-collectedWasmann

• Dinocoryna arizonensis

  Dinocoryna arizonensis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the order Coleoptera. It was described by Seevers in 1959. The species is a known myrmecophile, documented as an associate of Neivamyrmex army ants. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona and California.

  rove-beetlemyrmecophilearmy-ant-associateNeivamyrmex

• Entylia carinata

  keeled treehopper

  Entylia carinata is a small treehopper in the family Membracidae, notable for its pronounced saddle-shaped pronotal keel. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females larger and more prominently keeled than males. It engages in mutualistic relationships with several ant species and demonstrates parental care behavior. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in spring to reproduce on host plants.

  treehopperMembracidaeSmiliinaeant-mutualismmyrmecophilesexual-dimorphismparental-careAsteraceaephloem-feederbacterial-symbiont

• Euparia

  Euparia is a genus of aphodiine dung beetles comprising approximately six described species. The genus includes Euparia castanea, which has been documented as a myrmecophile in fire ant colonies. Species occur in the Neotropical and Afrotropical regions.

  dung-beetlemyrmecophilefire-ant-associate

• Euparia castanea

  Euparia castanea is an aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with records from Mexico through Central America to Florida and Texas in the United States. As a member of the tribe Eupariini, it belongs to a group of scarab beetles often associated with ant colonies.

  aphodiinescarabaeidaedung-beetlemyrmecophileneotropicalnearcticcentral-americanorth-americamexicofloridatexasinsectacoleoptera

• Euplectitae

  Euplectitae is a supertribe of minute rove beetles (Staphylinidae) classified within the ant-associated subfamily Pselaphinae. The group contains at least 20 genera and approximately 30 described species. Members of this supertribe are characterized by their small body size and morphological adaptations associated with myrmecophily—living in close association with ant colonies.

  myrmecophilerove-beetlePselaphinaemicrobeetle

• Geomysaprinus xerobatis

  Geomysaprinus xerobatis is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It belongs to the genus Geomysaprinus, a group specialized for association with fossorial mammals. The species epithet "xerobatis" references its documented association with desert-dwelling pocket gophers.

  ColeopteraHisteridaeSaprininaemyrmecophileinquilinefossorialpocket-gopherGeomysdesertcommensalsubterraneanrarespecialized

• Haeteriinae

  Haeteriinae is a subfamily of clown beetles (Histeridae) comprising over 110 genera and 330 described species. Members are obligate myrmecophiles and termitophiles, specialized as social symbionts that infiltrate ant and termite colonies. The subfamily exhibits dramatic behavioral and chemical adaptations for colony integration, including mouth-to-mouth feeding with host workers, grooming behaviors, and chemical mimicry of host scents. A 99-million-year-old fossil from Burmese amber demonstrates that this symbiotic relationship originated in the Cretaceous period, contemporaneous with the earliest-known ants.

  myrmecophiletermitophilesymbiosisCretaceousarmy-antschemical-mimicryphoresyfossilBurmese-amberEcitonsocial-parasitismclown-beetlesHisteridaeevolutionary-persistencehost-switching

• Haeterius blanchardi

  clown beetle

  Haeterius blanchardi is a myrmecophilous clown beetle (family Histeridae) native to the eastern United States. The species is known to inhabit colonies of the ant Formica pallidefulva, though its precise ecological relationship with the host remains incompletely documented. Adults have been recorded from Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The larvae have not been formally described.

  myrmecophileantsFormicaeastern-North-Americararely-collectedundescribed-larvae

• Haeterius exiguus

  clown beetle

  Haeterius exiguus is a small clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It is found in western North America, with records from the western United States and Canada. The species was described by Mann in 1911. Like other members of the genus Haeterius, it is associated with ants, though specific host relationships for this species remain poorly documented.

  HisteridaeHaeteriusclown-beetleNorth-Americawestern-United-StatesCanadaant-associatedmyrmecophile

• Haeterius morsus

  clown beetle

  Haeterius morsus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1859. The species is distributed in western North America, with records from California and Colorado in the United States and from Mexico. Like other members of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it is associated with ants.

  HisteridaeHaeteriinaemyrmecophileNorth-AmericaLeConte-1859

• Hamotus elongatus

  Hamotus elongatus is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) first described by Brendel in 1890. The species belongs to a genus commonly referred to as 'ant-loving beetles' due to their association with ant colonies. Records indicate presence in the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona and New Mexico. Like other members of the genus Hamotus, this species is likely myrmecophilous, living in close association with ants, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleSouthwestern-US-faunapoorly-known-species

• Laetodon

  Laetodon is a genus of hoverflies in the family Syrphidae, subfamily Microdontinae, established by Reemer in 2013. The genus belongs to the tribe Microdontini, a group of hoverflies whose larvae develop within ant nests. Laetodon represents one of several genera within this specialized myrmecophilous lineage.

  hoverflymyrmecophileMicrodontinaeant-associated

• Losiusa

  Losiusa is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) described by Seevers in 1978. It belongs to the subfamily Aleocharinae, the largest subfamily of rove beetles, within the tribe Oxypodini. The genus is part of the subtribe Dinardina, a group known for myrmecophilous (ant-associated) associations. Species in this genus are small beetles that live in close association with ant colonies.

  rove-beetlealeocharinaemyrmecophileant-associatedoxypodinidinardina

• Megarafonus lentus

  Megarafonus lentus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is found in North America, with records from Oregon, USA. The species is classified as an 'ant-loving beetle,' indicating a probable association with ant colonies.

  myrmecophileNorth-AmericaOregonStaphylinidae

• Microdon

  Ant Flies

  Microdon is a genus of hover flies (Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae, containing approximately 249 species worldwide with greatest diversity in the tropics. The genus is notable for its myrmecophilous lifestyle: adults remain near ant colonies rather than visiting flowers, and larvae develop inside ant nests. Adults are morphologically atypical for hover flies—sedentary, robust, very hairy, and often bee-like in appearance. Larvae are dome-shaped, slug-like, and slow-moving, with spiracles on a peg-like posterior protuberance. The genus has historically served as a catch-all for unrelated species, and ongoing taxonomic revision is expected to reassign many species to other genera.

  myrmecophileant-associatedhover-flyDipteraSyrphidaeMicrodontinaepredatorinternal-parasite-of-ants

• Microdon fulgens

  Rainbow Ant Fly

  Microdon fulgens is a species of syrphid fly (Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae. Members of the genus Microdon are commonly known as ant flies due to their unusual life history: larvae develop as inquilines within ant colonies. The specific epithet "fulgens" (Latin for shining or gleaming) likely refers to the adult's appearance. As with other Microdon species, adults are pollinators, while larvae have a highly specialized ecological relationship with ants.

  myrmecophileinquilinepollinatorant-associatedMicrodontinae

• Microdon tristis

  Long-horned Ant Fly

  Microdon tristis is a syrphid fly in the subfamily Microdontinae, commonly known as the Long-horned Ant Fly. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing venation and facial structure. Adults are characterized by distinctive bronze-black coloration with greenish and purplish metallic reflections, and are associated with ant colonies as larvae.

  DipteraSyrphidaeMicrodontinaemyrmecophileant-associatedNorth-America

• Milichiidae

  freeloader flies, jackal flies, filth flies

  Milichiidae is a family of minute acalyptrate flies comprising approximately 250 species in 19 genera across three subfamilies (Madizinae, Milichiinae, Phyllomyzinae). Adults are best known for kleptoparasitic behavior, feeding on bodily fluids of prey captured by predatory invertebrates such as spiders, assassin bugs, and mantids. They are attracted to olfactory cues released by killed prey, particularly Heteroptera and Hymenoptera. Larvae develop in decaying organic matter including rotting vegetation, wood, bark, manure, and carrion. Some species have forensic importance due to association with corpses, while others exhibit myrmecophilous associations or phoretic behaviors.

  kleptoparasitemyrmecophilesaprophagecoprophageforensic-entomologyphoreticolfactory-cue

• Mipseltyrus

  ant-loving beetles

  Mipseltyrus is a genus of minute rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as ant-loving beetles. The genus was established by Orlando Park in 1953 and currently includes four described species. Members of this genus are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ant colonies. These beetles are small, compact, and morphologically specialized for life in soil and leaf litter environments.

  myrmecophilepselaphinaerove-beetleNorth-Americasoil-fauna

• Myrmechixenini

  Myrmechixenini is a tribe of darkling beetles (family Tenebrionidae) established by Jacquelin du Val in 1858. The tribe belongs to the subfamily Diaperinae within the speciose family Tenebrionidae, one of the largest families of beetles. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with ant colonies, reflecting the etymology of the name (from Greek myrmex, ant, and xenia, hospitality). The tribe contains relatively few described species and is poorly represented in collections, with only 13 observations recorded on iNaturalist.

  myrmecophileinquilinecrypticrarely-collectedDiaperinaeTenebrionidae

• Myrmechixenus lathridioides

  Myrmechixenus lathridioides is a small beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, described by Crotch in 1873. The genus name derives from Greek roots meaning 'ant guest,' indicating an association with ant colonies. It belongs to the subfamily Lagriinae, a group of darkling beetles with diverse ecological habits. The species epithet references a superficial resemblance to beetles in the family Lathridiidae (plaster beetles).

  myrmecophileTenebrionidaeColeopteraant-associated

• Myrmecoblatta

  Ant Cockroaches

  Myrmecoblatta is a genus of small cockroaches in the family Corydiidae, commonly called ant cockroaches. These insects are myrmecophiles, living in close association with ant colonies. The genus was established by Mann in 1914 and contains species found in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central America. They represent a specialized evolutionary lineage adapted to life within ant nests.

  myrmecophileinquilinecommensalcave-like-habitatwinglesspale-colorationant-associationtropicalsubtropical

• Myrmecocystus wheeleri

  Wheeler's Honeypot Ant

  Myrmecocystus wheeleri is a species of honeypot ant native to arid regions of California, Baja California, and Coahuila. Like other members of the genus, it possesses specialized workers called repletes that store liquid carbohydrates in their distended crops for long-term colony sustenance. The species has been documented to host a gut microbiome dominated by halophiles, distinguishing it from congeners that harbor lactic acid and acetic acid bacteria in their replete crops.

  honeypot-antmyrmecophilehalophilegut-microbiomerepletefood-storagedesert-antCalifornia-faunaMexican-faunaFormicidaeFormicinaeLasiini

• Myrmecophilus americanus

  American ant cricket, ant cricket

  Myrmecophilus americanus is a wingless cricket that lives as an obligate parasite within ant nests. It is kleptoparasitic, feeding on food scraps brought by worker ants and encouraging them to regurgitate food. The species shows host specificity to the longhorn crazy ant (Paratrechina longicornis), though occasional records from other ant species exist. Its body shape and size resemble the gaster of the ant queen, possibly assisting its integration into the colony through mimicry.

  myrmecophilekleptoparasiteapterousant-associateinquiline

• Myrmecophilus manni

  Desert Ant Cricket, Mann's Ant Cricket

  Myrmecophilus manni is a small ant cricket species in the family Myrmecophilidae, commonly known as the Desert Ant Cricket or Mann's Ant Cricket. Like other members of its genus, it lives in close association with ant colonies, where it feeds on ant secretions and nest materials. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America, from southern Washington through Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona. Adult specimens typically measure under 5 millimeters in length, with reduced eyes and elongated antennae adapted for life in subterranean ant nests.

  OrthopteraGryllideaMyrmecophilidaeMyrmecophilusant-cricketmyrmecophileNorth-Americadesert-faunasubterraneanSchimmer-1911

• Myrmecophilus nebrascensis

  Nebraska ant cricket

  Myrmecophilus nebrascensis, the Nebraska ant cricket, is a species of ant cricket in the family Myrmecophilidae. It is found in North America, with confirmed records from Arizona, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, and New Mexico. Like other members of its family, it is an obligate myrmecophile, living in association with ant colonies. The species was described by Lugger in 1898.

  myrmecophileant-cricketcrypticNorth-AmericaOrthopteraEnsifera

• Myrmecosaurus ferrugineus

  Myrmecosaurus ferrugineus is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Paederinae) first described from Argentina in 1932. The species has been introduced to the southeastern United States, where it has been recorded in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. As a member of the myrmecophilous genus Myrmecosaurus, it is associated with ant colonies, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented. The species name refers to its rusty or iron-colored appearance.

  rove-beetlemyrmecophileant-associateintroduced-speciesNeotropical-originSoutheastern-US-fauna

• Myrmex ulkei

  Myrmex ulkei is a species of antlike weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae, characterized by its myrmecophilous (ant-associated) morphology. The species was described by Horn in 1873 and is known from North America. Members of the genus Myrmex exhibit extreme morphological convergence with ants, an adaptation that likely facilitates their association with ant colonies.

  ant-mimicmyrmecophileweevilNorth-America

• Myrmex undescribed-one

  Myrmex undescribed-one is an uncharacterized species within the ant-loving weevil genus Myrmex (Curculionidae: Myrmecophilinae). Species in this genus are obligate myrmecophiles, meaning they live in association with ant colonies. The specific identity and biological details of this undescribed taxon remain undocumented in the available literature.

  undescribedweevilmyrmecophileCurculionidaeMyrmecophilinae

• Myrmoecia lauta

  Myrmoecia lauta is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae. The species was described by Casey in 1893. It belongs to the tribe Lomechusini, a group known for myrmecophilous (ant-associated) associations. Records indicate presence in northeastern North America with some questionable reports from China.

  StaphylinidaeAleocharinaeLomechusinimyrmecophileNearcticCasey-1893

• Nearctitychus

  Nearctitychus is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Chandler in 1988. The genus is monotypic, containing a single described species, N. sternalis. As a member of the subfamily Pselaphinae and tribe Tychini, these beetles are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ant colonies.

  StaphylinidaePselaphinaeTychinimyrmecophilemonotypic-genusNearctic

• Nisaxis

  Nisaxis is a genus of ant-loving beetles (myrmecophiles) in the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1886. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across North America. As members of the subfamily Pselaphinae, these beetles are minute, compact rove beetles associated with ant colonies. The genus is classified within the tribe Brachyglutini.

  myrmecophilerove-beetlePselaphinaeNorth-Americasoil-fauna

• Nisaxis caudata

  ant-loving beetle

  Nisaxis caudata is a species of ant-loving beetle (family Staphylinidae) first described by Schaeffer in 1905. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles often associated with ant colonies. The species has been recorded from North America (Oklahoma and Texas) and Mexico, with additional Central American distribution. Very little detailed biological information is available for this specific species.

  ColeopteraStaphylinidaePselaphinaeant-loving-beetleNorth-AmericaCentral-AmericaMexicomyrmecophile

• Oropodes chumash

  Oropodes chumash is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It was described in 2011 by Chandler & Caterino. The species epithet refers to the Chumash people, indigenous to coastal California. Like other pselaphines, it is likely associated with ant colonies, though specific biological details remain poorly documented. The species is known from California, USA.

  StaphylinidaePselaphinaeant-loving-beetlemyrmecophileCalifornia-endemicColeoptera

• Oropus striatus

  ant-loving beetle

  Oropus striatus is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1874. It is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington. Like other members of the Pselaphinae, it is associated with ant colonies.

  rove-beetlemyrmecophilewestern-North-America

• Pinaxister decipiens

  clown beetle

  Pinaxister decipiens is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae. It occurs in North America, with records from Arizona and Texas. As a member of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it belongs to a group of histerid beetles often associated with social insects, though specific ecological relationships for this species remain poorly documented.

  HisteridaeColeopteraclown-beetleNorth-AmericaArizonaTexasHaeteriinaemyrmecophiletermitophilescarabaeiformiaStaphyliniformia

• Platyarthrus

  Platyarthrus is a genus of small, blind woodlice comprising over 30 described species. Members are obligate myrmecophiles, living almost exclusively within ant nests. The genus exhibits female-biased sex ratios in small populations. Body size in at least some species is dependent on host ant species.

  myrmecophilewoodlouseblindant-associated

• Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus

  Pogonomyrmex tenuispinus is a species of harvester ant in the genus Pogonomyrmex. Like other members of this genus, it is a seed-collecting ant native to arid regions. The species was described by Auguste Forel in 1914. As a harvester ant, it likely participates in seed dispersal and ecosystem engineering through nest construction, though specific ecological studies for this species are limited.

  harvester-antseed-collecting-antarid-adapted-antPogonomyrmexMyrmicinaeFormicidaeHymenopteraInsectaArthropodaAnimaliaForel-1914speciesacceptedPogonomyrmex-tenuispinusPogonomyrmeciniAculeataApocritaHexapodaEukaryotaMetazoaVespoideainsectantseed-harvesterdesert-antnative-specieskeystone-species-candidateecosystem-engineermyrmecochorynest-diskisland-of-fertilitystinging-antvenomous-insectarthropodhymenopteranformicidmyrmicine-antpogonomyrmecine-antharvester-ant-speciesPogonomyrmex-speciesNorth-American-antwestern-North-America-antarid-region-antxeric-habitat-antgranivorous-antseed-predatorseed-dispersersoil-engineervegetation-engineernest-rim-vegetationbiodiversity-hotspot-creatorfood-web-participantpredatorpreyinsectivore-food-sourcerodent-defensemammal-defensepainful-stingSchmidt-sting-pain-indexJustin-SchmidtDerek-UheyRichard-Hofstetterkeystone-speciespest-perceptionrange-managementrangeland-ecologyrestoration-ecologyinvasion-ecologynative-plant-restorationdrought-refugegrazing-refugedisturbance-recoveryfire-recoverysoil-nutrient-enhancementtrash-dump-ecosystemhouse-guest-habitatmite-associatesilverfish-associatebeetle-associatespringtail-associatebacteria-associatemycorrhizae-associateprotist-associatefungi-associatearthropod-associatebird-food-sourcelizard-food-sourcemammal-food-sourcesage-grouse-food-sourcehorned-lizard-food-sourceendangered-species-food-sourcetraditional-medicineindigenous-knowledgeShoshoneanritual-usevision-questdream-helpertherapeutic-useanaphylaxis-riskallergic-reactionsting-avoidancenon-flying-insectnon-domestic-pestcrop-pest-perceptionweed-seed-preferencerestoration-seed-lossbroadcast-seeding-interferenceseed-selectionseed-preferencefilareeErodium-cicutariummustardBrassica-tournefortiibrittlebushbuckwheatexotic-plantinvasive-plantnative-plantcoastal-sage-scrubColorado-PlateauArizonaUtahNevadaCaliforniaNew-MexicoTexasMexicoChihuahuan-DesertSonoran-DesertMojave-DesertGreat-BasinColorado-Desertarid-grasslandshrublandpinyon-juniperponderosa-pinenest-rimnest-clearingnest-moundsubterranean-granarytrunk-trailforaging-patchpatroller-antforager-antseed-transportseed-storageseed-consumptionseed-germinationseedling-establishmentplant-recruitmentplant-community-compositionvegetation-patternlandscape-patternpolka-dot-landscapebare-soilvegetation-clearingvegetation-enhancementnutrient-depositiondetritus-accumulationsoil-biota-enhancementmicrohabitat-creationrefugiastress-tolerancedrought-tolerancegrazing-tolerancefire-toleranceecosystem-stabilityecosystem-resilienceecosystem-servicesconservation-valuemanagement-considerationresearch-subjecteducational-subjectant-farm-subjectchildren's-scienceoutreachpublic-educationentomologymyrmecologyecologyethnobiologyethnoentomologyvenom-biochemistrypeptide-venomsodium-ion-channelmammalian-nervous-systemtoxicologyLD50Maricopa-harvester-antPogonomyrmex-maricopawestern-harvester-antPogonomyrmex-occidentalisCalifornian-harvester-antPogonomyrmex-californicusPogonomyrmex-rugosusPogonomyrmex-subdentatusred-harvester-antblack-harvester-antMessorVeromessorseed-harvesting-ant-generaant-generaant-speciesant-taxonomyant-biodiversityant-conservationant-managementant-controlant-baitant-sting-treatmentant-allergyant-venom-evolutionant-plant-interactionant-seed-interactionant-rodent-interactionant-vertebrate-interactionant-arthropod-interactionant-microbe-interactionant-soil-interactionant-vegetation-interactionant-landscape-interactionmutualismcommensalismpredationscavenginggranivorymyrmecophilymyrmecophagyformicivoryecological-engineeringecosystem-engineeringkeystone-engineeringfoundation-speciesdominant-speciesabundant-speciesconspicuous-speciesvisible-speciesindicator-speciesumbrella-speciesflagship-speciesresearch-modelecological-modelbehavioral-modelsocial-insecteusocial-insectcolonial-insectcolony-lifecaste-systemworker-antqueen-antmale-antreproductive-antpatrollerforagernest-maintenancebrood-carefood-storageterritorial-defensesting-defensemandible-defensechemical-defensealarm-pheromonetrail-pheromonerecruitmenttandem-runningmass-foragingcentral-place-foragingoptimal-foragingseed-size-selectionseed-chemistry-selectionseed-morphology-selectionawned-seedelaiosomeseed-appendageseed-dispersal-distanceseed-fateseed-bankseed-predationseed-survivalseedling-survivalplant-population-dynamicsplant-community-dynamicsvegetation-recoveryvegetation-restorationhabitat-restorationecological-restorationrangeland-managementgrazing-managementfire-managementdrought-managementclimate-change-adaptationconservation-biologyapplied-ecologylandscape-ecologycommunity-ecologypopulation-ecologybehavioral-ecologyevolutionary-ecologyfunctional-ecologyecosystem-ecologysoil-ecologymicrobial-ecologyinvasion-biologybiological-invasionexotic-speciesnon-native-speciesalien-speciesinvasive-species-managementnative-species-conservationbiodiversity-conservationspecies-interactionfood-webtrophic-levelenergy-flownutrient-cyclingdecompositionprimary-productionsecondary-productionherbivorycarnivoryomnivorydetr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• Pselaptrichus similis

  Pselaptrichus similis is a species of ant-loving beetle (myrmecophile) in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. It was described by Schuster and Marsh in 1956. The species is found in North America, with distribution records from California, USA. Like other members of the Pselaphinae subfamily, it is associated with ant colonies.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleNorth-AmericaCalifornia

• Publilia concava

  Aster Treehopper

  Publilia concava is an eastern North American treehopper (Hemiptera: Membracidae) commonly occurring in large aggregations on goldenrod (Solidago spp.). Adults oviposit in early June; nymphs hatch by late June and aggregations peak in mid-July. The species forms dense aggregations of up to 500+ individuals on single plant ramets. It is obligately associated with tending ants, primarily Formica subsericea, Camponotus noveboracensis, and Lasius species, which defend treehoppers from natural enemies in exchange for honeydew. Feeding causes leaf damage including drooping and premature browning. The species is a model system for studying ant-hemipteran mutualisms and spatial ecology.

  treehopperMembracidaeant-tendedmyrmecophilemutualismgoldenrodSolidagoaggregation-behaviormodel-organismeastern-North-America

• Pycnoplectus spinifer

  Pycnoplectus spinifer is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Casey in 1884. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles commonly associated with ant colonies. The species is documented from multiple states across the southern and central United States.

  ant-loving-beetlePselaphinaeStaphylinidaeNorth-Americamyrmecophile

• Ramecia

  ant-loving beetles

  Ramecia is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was established by Casey in 1893 and contains at least three described species: Ramecia capitula, Ramecia crinita, and Ramecia discreta. These beetles are associated with ant colonies, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleStaphylinidaePselaphinaeNorth-America

• Reichenbachia appendiculata

  Reichenbachia appendiculata is a species of ant-loving beetle (myrmecophile) in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. It is known from a limited number of observations across Central America and southern North America. The species belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group characterized by small size and complex ecological associations with ants and soil habitats. A nominotypical subspecies, R. appendiculata appendiculata, was described by Raffray in 1904.

  myrmecophilerove-beetlepselaphineCentral-AmericaNorth-America

• Rhexius substriatus

  Rhexius substriatus is a minute rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) described by LeConte in 1878. It belongs to the ant-associated tribe Trogastrini, though specific myrmecophilous behaviors for this species remain undocumented. The species is recorded from the eastern and southeastern United States.

  ColeopteraStaphylinidaePselaphinaeNorth-Americamyrmecophilerove-beetleLeConte-1878

• Rybaxis

  ant-loving beetles

  Rybaxis is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as ant-loving beetles. The genus contains at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are myrmecophilous, living in association with ant colonies. They were first described by Saulcy in 1876.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleleaf-littersoil-faunaStaphylinidaePselaphinae

• Sceptobius schmitti

  Sceptobius schmitti is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Sceptobiini. The genus Sceptobius is known for its myrmecophilous associations—species live in ant colonies. This species has been recorded from the southwestern United States and Mexico.

  myrmecophilerove-beetlealeocharinaeant-associatedsouthwestern-USMexico

• Sonoma isabellae

  Sonoma isabellae is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, specifically within the subfamily Pselaphinae. It is classified as an "ant-loving beetle," indicating a myrmecophilous lifestyle. The species was described by J. L. LeConte in 1852 and is known from California and broader North America. As a member of the tribe Faronitae, it belongs to a group of beetles that are typically small, compact, and associated with ant colonies.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleCalifornia-endemicLeConte-1852

• Thesiastes

  Thesiastes is a genus of ant-loving beetles (myrmecophiles) in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. The genus was established by Casey in 1893 and contains at least four described species distributed in North America. These beetles are members of the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small, often cryptic beetles associated with leaf litter and ant colonies.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleNorth-Americacrypticleaf-litter

• Thiasophila

  Thiasophila is a genus of myrmecophilous rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) that inhabit ant colonies, primarily those of the Formica rufa species group. Species in this genus have evolved specialized adaptations for living among ants, including defensive secretions and morphological plasticity in immature stages. The genus contains at least three European species: T. angulata, T. lohsei, and T. szujeckii, with T. szujeckii being a recently described cryptic species from Poland.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleFormica-rufa-groupcryptic-specieshost-related-variationdefensive-secretionsAleocharinaeOxypodini

• Trochoideus desjardinsi

  handsome fungus beetle

  Trochoideus desjardinsi is a species of handsome fungus beetle in the family Endomychidae, characterized by its broad distribution across tropical and subtropical regions. The species exhibits a notable ecological association with social insects, having been documented in nests of ants and termites. Adults are attracted to light and have been collected from various decaying plant materials and economically important crops.

  handsome-fungus-beetleColeopteraEndomychidaemyrmecophiletermite-associatelight-attractedtropical-distributionintroduced-speciesFlorida-invasive

• Tyrus

  Tyrus is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Aubé in 1833. These small rove beetles are myrmecophiles, living in association with ant colonies. The genus is primarily recorded from northern Europe, with documented occurrences in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

  myrmecophilerove-beetleStaphylinidaeant-associated

• Ulkeus intricatus

  clown beetle

  Ulkeus intricatus is a species of clown beetle (family Histeridae) found in North America. It belongs to the subfamily Haeteriinae, a group known for associations with ants. This species has been documented in association with legionary ants in the genus Neivamyrmex. The genus Ulkeus contains six recognized species in the United States, five of which remain undescribed.

  myrmecophilenocturnalant-associatedHetaeriinaeundescribed-relatives

• Xenodusa cava

  Xenodusa cava is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) distributed across eastern and central North America. It is obligately myrmecophilous, with larvae developing inside ant colonies where they exhibit specialized begging behaviors and feed on ant brood. This species represents a classic example of inquiline symbiosis in beetles.

  rove-beetlemyrmecophileant-associateinquilineNorth-America

• Xeropsamobeus acerbus

  Xeropsamobeus acerbus is a minute aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, measuring approximately 3 mm in length. It is currently known only from Texas, though its range likely extends into neighboring Louisiana. The species has a documented association with the Texas leafcutter ant (Atta texana).

  dung-beetlemyrmecophileTexas-endemicminute-beetleleafcutter-ant-associate