Obligate-symbiosis
Guides
Asteromyia carbonifera
Carbonifera goldenrod gall midge
Asteromyia carbonifera is a gall midge that forms an obligate mutualistic relationship with the fungus Botryosphaeria dothidea. Females carry fungal conidia in specialized mycangia on the ovipositor and deposit them alongside eggs on Solidago host plants. The fungus induces gall formation, and larvae feed on fungal tissue within the gall. This insect-fungus mutualism is essential for successful development; neither partner can complete its life cycle independently under natural conditions.
Microdontinae
Ant Flies and Allies
A subfamily of hoverflies (Syrphidae) comprising approximately 400 species, distinguished by their obligate myrmecophilous lifestyle. Larvae develop within ant nests as predators or scavengers of ant brood, exhibiting reduced body segmentation compared to other syrphid larvae. Adults of many species remain near host ant colonies rather than visiting flowers; some species lack functional mouthparts entirely. Several genera lack the spurious vein characteristic of other Syrphidae.
Paussinae
Ant nest beetles, paussines, flanged bombardier beetles
Paussinae is a subfamily of ground beetles (Carabidae) commonly known as ant nest beetles or flanged bombardier beetles. The subfamily includes four tribes: Metriini, Ozaenini, Paussini, and Protopaussini. Many species are obligate myrmecophiles, living within ant nests where they feed on ant brood and reproduce. Some lineages exhibit chemical defense capabilities, and the group displays diverse morphological adaptations including flanged elytra and modified antennae.