Myrmecophilous
Guides
Myrmetini
Myrmetini is a tribe of clown beetles (Histeridae) within the subfamily Saprininae, established by Portevin in 1929. The tribe is currently treated as a synonym in modern classifications, with its constituent genera generally reassigned to other tribes, particularly Saprinini. Members of this group were historically associated with ant colonies (myrmecophily), a trait reflected in the tribe's name derived from Greek 'myrmex' (ant). The taxonomic status reflects ongoing revisionary work in Histeridae systematics.
Myrmobiota
Myrmobiota is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Oxypodini, established by Casey in 1893. Species in this genus are associated with ant colonies, exhibiting myrmecophilous habits. The genus is part of the hyperdiverse subfamily Aleocharinae, one of the largest radiations within beetles.
Nanosellini
Nanosellini is a tribe of feather-winged beetles within the family Ptiliidae, first described by Barber in 1924. Members of this tribe are among the smallest known beetles, with most species measuring less than 1 millimeter in length. They belong to the subfamily Ptiliinae, which contains approximately 80% of described feather-winged beetle genera. The tribe is characterized by extreme miniaturization and associated morphological adaptations.
Nisaxis tomentosa
Nisaxis tomentosa is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, specifically within the ant-associated subfamily Pselaphinae. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning North America, the Caribbean, and South America. The species epithet 'tomentosa' refers to a densely hairy or woolly appearance.
Oropus
Oropus is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, tribe Trogastrini. It was described by Casey in 1886. Members of this genus are small, myrmecophilous beetles typically associated with ant colonies. The genus is part of the diverse Pselaphinae radiation, which contains thousands of species specialized for life in leaf litter, soil, and ant nests.
Oropus cavicauda
ant-loving beetle
Oropus cavicauda is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Casey in 1893. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles frequently associated with ant colonies. The species has been documented in the western United States, specifically California and Oregon. Available information on this species remains limited.
Osoriinae
Osoriinae is a subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing over 100 genera organized into multiple tribes. The subfamily is predominantly tropical and subtropical in distribution, with species occurring in leaf litter, under bark, in ant nests, and in tree canopies. Many species exhibit flattened body forms adapted for moving through confined spaces.
Panthiades
Panthiades is a genus of lycaenid butterflies in the tribe Eumaeini (hairstreaks). The genus comprises approximately eight described species distributed throughout the Neotropical region. At least one species, Panthiades bitias, has been documented as myrmecophilous, with immature stages exhibiting ant-associated behavior. Adults are generally small to medium-sized butterflies with the characteristic morphology of hairstreak butterflies.
Pella
Pella is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Lomechusini. These beetles are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ants. The genus was established by Stephens in 1833 and contains species that are adapted to life within ant colonies, where they exploit resources and protection provided by their hosts.
Pella schmitti
Pella schmitti is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, and tribe Lomechusini. It was described by Hamilton in 1895. The species is documented from eastern North America, with records from Canada (Ontario and Quebec) and the United States (Massachusetts and Pennsylvania). Like other members of the genus Pella, it is likely associated with ant colonies, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii
Ant Woodlouse
Platyarthrus hoffmannseggii is a small, white, ant-associated woodlouse that lives exclusively in ant nests, particularly those of Lasius flavus, Lasius niger, and Myrmica species. It feeds on ant droppings and mildew within these colonies. The species is considered blind, likely an adaptation to its dark subterranean habitat. Its distribution closely tracks that of its host ants across Europe, North Africa, Turkey, and introduced populations in Australia and North America.
Poecilocrypticus formicophilus
Adventive Ant-loving Teneb
Poecilocrypticus formicophilus is a small tenebrionid beetle native to Europe, where it has been recorded in Belgium. The species has been introduced to North America and is now established across the conterminous United States. Its common name reflects its association with ant colonies, a relationship characteristic of the genus. The species is frequently documented on iNaturalist, suggesting it is readily encountered by observers.
Pselaphus
ant-loving beetles
Pselaphus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, containing at least 20 described species. These beetles are commonly referred to as "ant-loving beetles" due to their well-documented associations with ants. Members of this genus exhibit highly compact thoracic skeletal structures with reduced sutures and simplified flight musculature, indicating flightlessness in at least some species. The genus has been subject to detailed anatomical study, particularly regarding thoracic morphology and adaptations to myrmecophilous lifestyles.
Pseudactium arcuatum
ant-loving beetle
Pseudactium arcuatum is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly known as ant-loving beetles. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1849 and is known from the southeastern United States. Members of this subfamily are typically myrmecophilous, living in close association with ant colonies.
Pycnoplectus
Pycnoplectus is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species, first established by Casey in 1897. These beetles are classified within the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small, often cryptic beetles frequently associated with ant colonies. Most species were described in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, with several originally placed in other genera before transfer to Pycnoplectus.
Reichenbachia arthritica
ant-loving beetle
Reichenbachia arthritica is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It was described by Brendel in 1894. The species is known from California in the western United States. As a member of the myrmecophilous genus Reichenbachia, it has been observed in association with ant colonies.
Renclasea falli
Renclasea falli is a species of clown beetle in the family Histeridae, described by Tishechkin & Caterino in 2009. It is known from California, USA. As a member of the subfamily Haeteriinae, it belongs to a specialized group of histerid beetles. The genus Renclasea was established relatively recently, reflecting ongoing taxonomic refinement within the Histeridae.
Rhexidius
ant-loving beetles
Rhexidius is a genus of small rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) containing approximately 10 described species. These beetles belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly known as ant-loving beetles due to their frequent association with ant colonies. The genus was established by Casey in 1887, with most species described by Schuster & Grigarick in 1962. Species in this genus are characterized by various surface sculpturing patterns, including granulate, crenate, and hispid textures.
Rhexidius incomptus
Rhexidius incomptus is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Schuster & Grigarick in 1962. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small rove beetles known for their myrmecophilous associations. The species is documented from California, USA.
Rhexius
ant-loving beetles
Rhexius is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly known as ant-loving beetles. The genus contains six described species distributed in North America. Members are myrmecophilous, living in association with ant colonies. The genus was established by LeConte in 1849.
Rhexius schmitti
Rhexius schmitti is a small ant-associated rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, first described by Brendel in 1893. The species belongs to the tribe Trogastrini and is distributed across the eastern and central United States. Like other members of its genus, it exhibits myrmecophilous (ant-loving) behavior and is typically found in decaying organic matter.
Rhopalosyrphus guentherii
Hairy-bellied Squeezetail
Rhopalosyrphus guentherii is a species of hoverfly (family Syrphidae) in the subfamily Microdontinae, known by the common name Hairy-bellied Squeezetail. It is one of approximately 11 described species in the genus Rhopalosyrphus, a group characterized by unusual larval biology associated with ant colonies. The species was described by Lynch Arribálzaga in 1891 from South American material. As a microdontine syrphid, it likely exhibits the myrmecophilous lifestyle typical of its subfamily, though specific details for this species remain poorly documented.
Rhopalosyrphus ramulorum
Bare-bellied Squeezetail
Rhopalosyrphus ramulorum is a species of hoverfly in the family Syrphidae, described by Weems and Deyrup in 2003. It belongs to the subfamily Microdontinae, a group known for their unusual larval biology involving association with ant colonies. The species is known by the common name Bare-bellied Squeezetail. Information about this species remains limited, with only five documented observations on iNaturalist as of the knowledge cutoff.
Saprinus
clown beetles
Saprinus is a genus of clown beetles in the family Histeridae, containing more than 200 described species. Members are found on every continent except Antarctica. The genus includes species associated with carrion, dung, and other decaying organic matter, where they function as predators of other small insects. Some species have specialized associations with ants or termites.
Satyrium
Satyrid Hairstreaks
Satyrium is a genus of butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, commonly known as satyrid hairstreaks. Species in this genus are distributed across the Holarctic ecozone. Many species exhibit specialized ecological associations, including larval dependencies on particular oak species and mutualistic relationships with ants. Several species have been the focus of conservation concern due to habitat specificity and perceived rarity.
Satyrium edwardsii
Edwards' Hairstreak
Satyrium edwardsii, the Edwards' Hairstreak, is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It occurs in eastern North America from the United States into southern Canada. Larvae feed on Quercus species, particularly scrub oak (Q. ilicifolia). The species has been documented as endangered in some regions and exhibits myrmecophilous associations with ants.
Thalpius hoegei
Thalpius hoegei is a ground beetle species (Coleoptera: Carabidae) originally described by Bates in 1883. It is currently treated as a synonym of Pseudaptinus hoegei, reflecting taxonomic reclassification within the tribe Zuphiini. The species belongs to a group of carabid beetles characterized by specialized predatory habits and association with ant colonies. Records indicate presence in Mexico and the southwestern United States.
Thalpius pygmaeus
Thalpius pygmaeus is a small ground beetle in the family Carabidae, subfamily Dryptinae, described by Dejean in 1826. The species is classified within the tribe Zuphiini, a group of carabid beetles often associated with ant colonies or exhibiting myrmecophilous tendencies. Very little specific biological information has been documented for this particular species. It is currently treated as a valid species in the genus Thalpius, though some classifications place it within the subgenus Pseudaptinus (Thalpius). The species epithet "pygmaeus" refers to its small size.
Tmesiphorus
Tmesiphorus is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. The genus was established by LeConte in 1849 and currently contains approximately ten described species distributed across North America and Asia. Members of this genus are classified within the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small beetles often associated with social insects.
Tmesiphorus costalis
Tmesiphorus costalis is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by J.L. LeConte in 1849. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small rove beetles known for their myrmecophilous associations. The species has been recorded across eastern and central North America.
Trichonyx
ant-loving beetles
Trichonyx is a genus of minute ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus contains at least two described species: Trichonyx antennatus (Raffray, 1877) and Trichonyx sulcicollis (Reichenbach, 1816). Members of this genus are myrmecophilous, living in association with ants. These beetles are small, compact, and exhibit reduced wing structures typical of the Pselaphinae.
Trimiomelba
Trimiomelba is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was established by Casey in 1897 and contains a single described species, T. dubia. These beetles belong to the tribe Trichonychini, a diverse group of small beetles often associated with ant colonies.
Trimium
ant-loving beetles
Trimium is a genus of myrmecophilous rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, containing over 20 described species. These small beetles are specialized associates of ant colonies, living as inquilines within ant nests. The genus is placed in the tribe Trichonychini and is distributed across parts of northern Europe.
Xenodusa montana
Xenodusa montana is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae. It is a myrmecophilous species, meaning it lives in association with ants. The species is known from western North America.
Zyras
Zyras is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Lomechusini) comprising over 100 described species distributed primarily across the Palaearctic and Oriental regions. Species within this genus exhibit diverse ecological associations, including myrmecophilous and termitophilous lifestyles. The genus is taxonomically complex, with ongoing revisions addressing synonymies and species boundaries. Several species possess specialized tergal glands that produce chemical secretions facilitating integration into host colonies.