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Ant beetle

Ant beetle

Thanasimus formicarius

A species of Thanasimus, Also known as Ant-loving checkered beetle

The ant beetle (Thanasimus formicarius), also known as the European red-bellied clerid, is a medium size insect, rather soft-bodied, with strong mandibles that can tear between the hard sclerotized integument of bark beetles. Larvae and adults are common predators of bark beetles in Europe.

General Info About Ant beetle
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Attributes of Ant beetle
Colors
Brown
Black
Cream
Habitat
Under bark; conifer; tree trunk
Adult Food Sources
Bark beetles, pine beetles, spruce beetles, wood-boring insects, sometimes other adult insects
Larva Food Source
Bark beetle larvae, other wood-boring insect larvae
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Ant beetle is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Ant beetle
Fairly widespread
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Distribution Area of Ant beetle
Europe
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Life Cycle of Ant beetle
Egg The egg stage involves the ant beetle deposited in clusters or singularly, often near food sources. The eggs are small and vary in color, and they serve merely as a developmental stage without locomotion or feeding.
Larva During the larval stage, the ant beetle grows rapidly, shedding its exoskeleton multiple times. It is worm-like in appearance, with a soft body that may bear little resemblance to the adult. This stage is mainly for feeding and growth.
Pupal The ant beetle enters the pupal stage after reaching a size limit. In this stage, it remains mostly immobile inside a protective casing. The pupa undergoes significant transformation, reorganizing internally to form adult structures.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult ant beetle's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Ant beetle Larvae
Birds, spiders, insectivorous mammals
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Predators of Adult Ant beetle
Birds, reptiles, spiders, insectivorous mammals
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Interesting Facts About Ant beetle
The ant beetle mimics the pheromones of its prey to infiltrate and hunt within ant colonies.
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Scientific Classification of Ant beetle
Tips for Finding Ant beetle
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Youth Habitat of Ant beetle
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Ant beetle
Forests and Woodlands
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How Can You Attract Ant beetle
Attractants or pheromones specific to bark beetles can be used, as ant beetle preys on them.
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Habitat Preferences of Ant beetle Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of ant beetle are typically laid on the bark of trees infested with bark beetles. As larvae, they are voracious predators found under the bark, actively seeking prey in decaying wood. Pupation occurs in a chamber within the bark or in the outer layers of wood. Once metamorphosis is complete, adult ant beetle can be found on tree trunks, but they are quick to fly in search of new host trees harboring their prey. To find the various stages, search along forested landscapes for trees under bark beetle attack and carefully peel back the bark to observe larvae and pupae, while adults may be spotted on or near the bark.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Ant beetle
Late spring to early fall is the best time to find adult ant beetle, which is when they are most active and visible.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Ant beetle
Warm, dry days are ideal conditions for finding ant beetle as they are more active during such weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Ant beetle at Different Life Stages
Larva Larvae of ant beetle are usually found within or around bark, preying on wood-infesting beetles and their larvae. Finding them involves inspecting under the bark of dead or dying trees.
Pupal Pupae of ant beetle can often be found in sheltered places near their larval feeding sites. Look in crevices or under bark close to the ground.
Adult Adult ant beetle are predatory and highly mobile. They can be found on the bark of trees, especially where there are outbreaks of bark beetles. Observing these trees and looking for the distinctive coloring and behavior of ant beetle is the best way to locate them.
Are Ant beetle harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Ant beetle
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Bark Beetles
Ant beetle is an adept predator that actively hunts for bark beetles. As an adult, it feeds primarily on these pests to sustain itself. Ant beetle seeks out its prey among tree barks, using its keen senses to detect disturbances caused by bark beetles. This predatory behavior plays a crucial role in regulating bark beetle populations, hence aiding in forest health maintenance.
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