Myrmecophilous
Guides
Actiastes
Actiastes is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1897. The genus contains nine described species distributed across North America. Members belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles often associated with ant colonies.
Actiastes desertorum
Actiastes desertorum is a species of ant-loving beetle (subfamily Pselaphinae) in the family Staphylinidae, described from desert regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico. The species epithet 'desertorum' reflects its arid habitat association. Like other pselaphines, it is likely myrmecophilous, living in close association with ant colonies.
Aenigmatias eurynotus
Aenigmatias eurynotus is a species of scuttle fly in the family Phoridae, subfamily Aenigmatiinae. The genus Aenigmatias comprises rarely encountered, poorly known flies associated with army ant colonies. Only two observations of this species have been recorded on iNaturalist, indicating extreme rarity or difficulty of detection in the field. The species was described by Brues in 1914.
Aritaerius pallidus
Aritaerius pallidus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Kovarik and Tishechkin in 2004. It belongs to the subfamily Haeteriinae, a group known for their associations with ants and termites. The species is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Like other members of Haeteriinae, it likely exhibits myrmecophilous or termitophilous behavior, though specific biological details remain poorly documented.
Atinus monilicornis
Atinus monilicornis is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It is native to North America and has been documented in nests of the ant Paratrechina faisonensis, indicating a myrmecophilous lifestyle. The species was described by Brendel in 1866. Records span multiple states in the eastern and central United States.
Batrisodes
gargoyle beetle, ant-loving beetle
Batrisodes is a genus of myrmecophilous rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus contains at least 80 described species distributed across North America, Europe, and Asia. Males of many species exhibit highly modified facial structures with horns, spines, shelves, or cavities, earning the group the informal name 'gargoyle beetles.' Species are primarily associated with ants, though specific ecological relationships remain poorly documented for most taxa.
Bibloplectus
ant-loving beetles
Bibloplectus is a genus of minute rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) commonly known as ant-loving beetles. The genus contains at least 10 described species distributed in North America and Europe. Seven new species were recently described from the eastern United States based on specimens from museum collections. Members of this genus are typically associated with ants and are characterized by their small size and reduced morphology.
Bibloporus bicanalis
Bibloporus bicanalis is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, characterized by reduced elytra and a compact body form typical of ant-loving beetles. The species was described by Casey in 1884 and occurs in eastern North America. As a member of the tribe Trichonychini, it belongs to a diverse group of myrmecophilous beetles that have evolved specialized associations with ants. Records indicate presence in both Canada and the United States, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Brachygluta
ant-loving beetles
Brachygluta is a genus of ant-loving beetles (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) containing over 80 described species. These small rove beetles are specialist predators of mites. The Nearctic fauna has been revised, with 29 species recognized in North America.
Cedius
Cedius is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1849. The genus contains at least three described species: C. cruralis, C. spinosus, and C. ziegleri. Members belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small rove beetles frequently associated with ant colonies. The genus is rarely encountered, with minimal observational records available.
Ceophyllus
Ceophyllus is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by LeConte in 1849. The genus contains a single described species, C. monilis. These beetles belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles often associated with ant colonies.
Chonocephalus
Chonocephalus is a genus of scuttle flies in the family Phoridae, first described by Wandolleck in 1898. The genus contains approximately 80 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Members are associated with decaying organic matter and some species have documented relationships with army ants (Ecitoninae). The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features of the head and antennae.
Conoplectus canaliculatus
Conoplectus canaliculatus is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, specifically within the subfamily Pselaphinae. It is one of many species commonly referred to as "ant-loving beetles" due to their ecological association with ant colonies. The species was first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1849 and has a broad distribution across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada and much of the eastern and central United States.
Conoplectus susae
Conoplectus susae is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Carlton in 1983. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles often associated with ant colonies. The species is known from limited records in the south-central United States.
Cremastocheilus beameri
Cremastocheilus beameri is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarab beetles. The species was described by Cazier in 1940. Two subspecies are recognized: Cremastocheilus beameri beameri and Cremastocheilus beameri pokorny Krajcik, 2014. Like other members of its genus, it is believed to be associated with ant colonies, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Cremastocheilus quadricollis
Cremastocheilus quadricollis is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle first described by Casey in 1915. As a member of the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarabs, this species is believed to share the life history traits documented for congeners: living within ant colonies as a predator of ant larvae and pupae. The species has been recorded from Texas in the United States and Durango in Mexico.
Cryptophaginae
silken fungus beetles
Cryptophaginae is a subfamily of small beetles within the family Cryptophagidae, commonly known as silken fungus beetles. The subfamily contains approximately 11 genera and more than 180 described species. Members are associated with fungal habitats and are often found in decaying organic matter. The subfamily was established by William Kirby in 1826.
Ctenisis
Ctenisis is a genus of myrmecophilous rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was established by Raffray in 1890 and contains at least two described species: C. raffrayi (Casey, 1894) and C. phylanderi (Chandler, 2003). Members of this genus are classified within the tribe Ctenistini and are known for their association with ant colonies.
Ctenisodes
Ctenisodes is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Raffray in 1897. The genus belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles commonly associated with ant colonies. Approximately 14 species have been described. These beetles are part of the tribe Ctenistini within the supertribe Pselaphitae.
Ctenisodes piceus
ant-loving beetle
Ctenisodes piceus is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by LeConte in 1849. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small rove beetles commonly associated with ant colonies. The species occurs in northeastern North America, with records from Canada and the eastern United States.
Cylindrarctus
ant-loving beetles
Cylindrarctus is a genus of rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly known as ant-loving beetles. The genus contains approximately 10 described species, most of which were described by American entomologist Donald S. Chandler in 1988. Members of this genus are small, specialized beetles associated with ant colonies. The genus was established by Schaufuss in 1887.
Dalmosella
ant-loving beetles
Dalmosella is a genus of ant-loving beetles (rove beetles) in the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1897. It contains a single described species, D. tenuis. As a member of the subfamily Pselaphinae, it belongs to a group of small beetles that are ecologically associated with ants.
Diaprioidea
Diaprioidea is a superfamily of small parasitoid wasps within Hymenoptera, containing five extant families: Diapriidae, Ismaridae, Maamingidae, Monomachidae, and Austroniidae. Members are generally minute to small in size, with many species exhibiting reduced wing venation. The group has a fossil record extending to the mid-Cretaceous, with numerous specimens preserved in amber. Diapriidae is the largest and most cosmopolitan family, while other families have restricted distributions. Many species are associated with ants or other insects as parasitoids.
Dinardina
Dinardina is a subtribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) within the tribe Oxypodini, subfamily Aleocharinae. It was established by Mulsant & Rey in 1873. The subtribe contains small to minute beetles associated with ant colonies. Members exhibit myrmecophilous (ant-associated) lifestyles, though specific ecological relationships vary among included genera. The subtribe is primarily documented from European faunas.
Dinocoryna
Dinocoryna is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the tribe Lomechusini, subfamily Aleocharinae. The genus was established by Casey in 1893 and contains at least six described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are myrmecophilous, meaning they are associated with ant colonies.
Ecitonidia
Ecitonidia is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) established by Wasmann in 1900. The genus belongs to the tribe Lomechusini within the subfamily Aleocharinae. Only one species, E. wheeleri, has been formally described. Members of this genus are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ants.
Ecitonidia wheeleri
Ecitonidia wheeleri is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae. It was described by Wasmann in 1900. The species belongs to the tribe Lomechusini, which includes many myrmecophilous (ant-associated) beetles. This species has been recorded from several states in the south-central and southwestern United States.
Euplectus
ant-loving beetles
Euplectus is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as ant-loving beetles. The genus contains approximately 13 described species. Members of this genus are characterized by their small size, compact body form, and close ecological associations with ants. They belong to the tribe Euplectini within the diverse family Staphylinidae.
Euplectus karstenii
Euplectus karstenii is a minute rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, characterized by its compact body form and reduced elytra typical of ant-loving beetles. The species has a broad native distribution across the Palearctic region and has been introduced to North America, Australia, and potentially South America through human activity. As a member of the myrmecophilous Pselaphinae, it is associated with ant colonies, though specific host relationships remain poorly documented.
Eutrichites zonatus
ant-loving beetle
Eutrichites zonatus is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Brendel in 1865. It is found across much of North America, with records from Canada and the United States. As a member of the subfamily Pselaphinae, it is associated with ant colonies, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Genuchinus ineptus
Genuchinus ineptus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle described by Horn in 1885. The species belongs to the tribe Cremastocheilini, a group known for associations with ants. Records indicate it occurs in Arizona, USA.
Glabellula
micro bee flies
Glabellula is a genus of micro bee flies in the family Mythicomyiidae, comprising more than 30 described species with cosmopolitan distribution. The genus is poorly studied in the Neotropical Region, with recent taxonomic work describing new species from Colombia. At least one species, G. arctica, has been documented as myrmecophilous, living in association with ant nests. The group represents one of several genera of diminutive bombylioid flies often overlooked due to their small size.
Hamotus electrae
ant-loving beetle
Hamotus electrae is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by O. Park in 1942. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small rove beetles frequently associated with ant colonies. The species is documented from Texas in the United States and Mexico. Like other members of the genus Hamotus, it is presumed to be myrmecophilous, living in association with ants, though specific details of this relationship remain unrecorded in published literature.
Hamotus opimus
Hamotus opimus is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Fletcher in 1932. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles often associated with ant colonies. The species is known from scattered records across the eastern and south-central United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely lives in close association with ants, though specific details of this relationship remain poorly documented.
Hippeutister californicus
Hippeutister californicus is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Caterino & Tishechkin in 2008. It is native to California and has been documented in association with ant colonies of Solenopsis amblychila, suggesting a myrmecophilous lifestyle. As a member of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it belongs to a group known for specialized relationships with ants.
Laetodon laetus
Small Metallic Ant Fly
Laetodon laetus is a small hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae, commonly known as the Small Metallic Ant Fly. Members of Microdontinae are myrmecophilous, meaning they have ecological associations with ants. The species exhibits metallic coloration and has been documented in limited observations, with 41 records on iNaturalist suggesting it is infrequently encountered or underreported.
Leptotes
Zebra Blues
Leptotes is a genus of small butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as zebra blues due to their distinctive zebra-striped undersides. The genus contains multiple species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including the Americas, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, southern and eastern Asia, and eastern Australia. Several endemic species occur on oceanic islands including the Galapagos, Canary Islands, Mauritius, Príncipe, and São Tomé. Leptotes species are myrmecophilous, meaning they have associations with ants, though research suggests ant partners play a minor role in their occurrence on host plants.
Lucifotychus testaceus
Lucifotychus testaceus is a minute rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as an ant-loving beetle. It is a myrmecophilous species associated with ant colonies. The species is documented from eastern and midwestern North America, with records spanning Canada and the United States.
Machaerodes
Machaerodes is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Brendel in 1890. The genus contains a single described species, M. carinatus. As members of the subfamily Pselaphinae, these beetles are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ants.
Megastilicus formicarius
Megastilicus formicarius is a myrmecophilous rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Paederinae) native to North America. It was the sole species in its genus until the 2021 description of M. iowaensis. The species is obligately associated with ants, specifically documented with Formica ulkei colonies. Like other myrmecophilous Paederinae, it likely lives within ant nests, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is known from museum specimens across northeastern and midwestern North America.
Melba parvula
Melba parvula is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by LeConte in 1849. It is found in North America, with records spanning eastern and central United States and southern Canada. The species is associated with ant colonies, a characteristic of the myrmecophilous genus Melba.
Melba sulcatula
ant-loving beetle
Melba sulcatula is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, specifically within the ant-associated subfamily Pselaphinae. It was described by Thomas L. Casey in 1897 and is known from scattered records across the eastern and central United States. The species is classified within the tribe Trichonychini and subtribe Trimiina, a group characterized by small body size and ecological dependence on ant colonies.
Metopina
Metopina is a genus of scuttle flies (family Phoridae) within the subfamily Metopininae. The genus contains approximately 50 described species distributed across multiple continents. Several species are associated with social insect colonies, including ants and termites. The genus was established by Macquart in 1835.
Microdonia
Microdonia is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1893. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Members belong to the tribe Lomechusini within the subfamily Aleocharinae, a group known for myrmecophilous (ant-associated) associations. The genus remains poorly known, with limited ecological and behavioral documentation.
Microdonia laticollis
Microdonia laticollis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the tribe Lomechusini. Described by Brues in 1902, this species belongs to a genus of myrmecophilous beetles associated with ant colonies. The specific epithet 'laticollis' refers to the broad pronotum characteristic of this species. Like other members of the subtribe Myrmedoniina, it is adapted to life within ant nests.
Mipseltyrus nicolayi
Mipseltyrus nicolayi is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Orlando Park in 1953. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small rove beetles commonly associated with ant colonies. The species is known from North America, with records from North Carolina and Tennessee.
Mixogaster
Mixogaster is a genus of hoverflies in the subfamily Microdontinae, native to the Americas. The genus comprises approximately 19-21 species and is distinguished by specific wing venation characters and reduced metasternal structures. Adults are myrmecophilous wasp mimics with constricted abdomens. Larvae develop as scavengers inside ant nests.
Morius
Morius is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1893. The genus contains a single described species, Morius occidens. As members of the subfamily Pselaphinae, these beetles are morphologically specialized and ecologically associated with ants.
Myrmecodesmus
A genus of small-bodied polydesmid millipedes in the family Pyrgodesmidae. Established by Silvestri in 1910 with a myrmecophilous species from central Veracruz, Mexico. The genus has undergone extensive taxonomic revision, with numerous genera synonymized under it by Shear (1977). Currently includes at least 28 species distributed from Mexico through South America and into the Caribbean.
Myrmecosaurus
Myrmecosaurus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Paederinae. The genus was established by Wasmann in 1909 and is placed in the tribe Lathrobiini. Members of this genus are associated with ant colonies, reflecting their myrmecophilous lifestyle. The genus is relatively obscure with limited published documentation.