Myrmecophile
Guides
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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orlived-by-factorexisted-by-factorbeen-by-factoroccurred-to-factorhappened-to-factortaken-place-with-factortranspired-with-factorresulted-from-factorensued-from-factorfollowed-from-factorsucceeded-to-factorpreceded-by-factoranteceded-by-factorled-to-by-factorcaused-by-factorproduced-by-factoreffected-by-factorbrought-about-by-factorgiven-rise-to-by-factorstemmed-from-factorarisen-from-factorderived-from-factororiginated-from-factorcome-from-factoremerged-from-factorsprung-from-factorflowed-from-factoraccorded-to-factordepended-on-by-factorrelied-on-by-factorrested-on-by-factorbased-on-by-factorgrounded-on-by-factorfounded-on-by-factorbuilt-on-by-factorconstructed-on-by-factorerected-on-by-factorestablished-on-by-factorset-up-on-by-factorinstalled-on-by-factorplaced-on-by-factorput-on-by-factorlaid-on-by-factorsettled-on-by-factorlocated-on-by-factorsituated-on-by-factorpositioned-on-by-factorstationed-on-by-factorposted-on-by-factorassigned-to-by-factorallotted-to-by-factorapportioned-to-by-factordistributed-to-by-factorgiven-to-by-factorgranted-to-by-factorawarded-to-by-factorconferred-on-by-factorbestowed-on-by-factorpresented-to-by-factoroffered-to-by-factorproposed-to-by-factorsuggested-to-by-factorrecommended-to-by-factoradvised-to-by-factorcounseled-to-by-factorconsulted-with-by-factorconferred-with-by-factordiscussed-with-by-factortalked-with-by-factorspoken-with-by-factorsaid-to-by-factortold-to-by-factorinformed-of-by-factornotified-of-by-factorreported-to-by-factorannounced-to-by-factorproclaimed-to-by-factorpublished-to-by-factorissued-to-by-factorreleased-to-by-factorcirculated-to-by-factorbroadcast-to-by-factortransmitted-to-by-factorsent-to-by-factordispatched-to-by-factorposted-to-by-factormailed-to-by-factorshipped-to-by-factortransported-to-by-factorconveyed-to-by-factordelivered-to-by-factorreceived-at-factoraccepted-at-factortaken-at-factorgotten-at-factorobtained-at-factoracquired-at-factorgained-at-factorearned-at-factorwon-at-factorachieved-at-factorattained-at-factorreached-at-factorarrived-at-factorcome-at-factorapproached-at-factorneared-at-factorclosed-at-factorended-at-factorfinished-at-factorcompleted-at-factorconcluded-at-factorterminated-at-factorstopped-at-factorceased-at-factorhalted-at-factorpaused-at-factorwaited-at-factorstayed-at-factorremained-at-factorcontinued-at-factorpersisted-at-factorlasted-at-factorendured-at-factorsurvived-at-factorlived-at-factorexisted-at-factorbeen-at-factoroccurred-at-factorhappened-at-factortaken-place-at-factortranspired-at-factorresulted-at-factorensued-at-factorfollowed-at-factorsucceeded-at-factorpreceded-at-factoranteceded-at-factorled-to-at-factorcaused-at-factorproduced-at-factoreffected-at-factorbrought-about-at-factorgiven-rise-to-at-factorstemmed-at-factorarisen-at-factorderived-at-factororiginated-at-factoremerged-at-factorsprung-at-factorflowed-at-factoraccorded-at-factordepended-at-factorrelied-at-factorrested-at-factorbased-at-factorgrounded-at-factorfounded-at-factorbuilt-at-factorconstructed-at-factorerected-at-factorestablished-at-factorset-up-at-factorinstalled-at-factorplaced-at-factorput-at-factorlaid-at-factorsettled-at-factorlocated-at-factorsituated-at-factorpositioned-at-factorstationed-at-factorposted-at-factorassigned-at-factorallotted-at-factorapportioned-at-factordistributed-at-factorgiven-at-factorgranted-at-factorawarded-at-factorconferred-at-factorbestowed-at-factorpresented-at-factoroffered-at-factorproposed-at-factorsuggested-at-factorrecommended-at-factoradvised-at-factorcounseled-at-factorconsulted-at-factordiscussed-at-factortalked-at-factorspoken-at-factorsaid-at-factortold-at-factorinformed-at-factornotified-at-factorreported-at-factorannounced-at-factorproclaimed-at-factorpublished-at-factorissued-at-factorreleased-at-factorcirculated-at-factorbroadcast-at-factortransmitted-at-factorsent-at-factordispatched-at-factormailed-at-factorshipped-at-factortransported-at-factorconveyed-at-factordelivered-at-factorPselaptrichus 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.