We think this genus of beetles would be the perfect subject for a future Bug Bytes episode. These nondescript beetles spend much of their life inside an ant nest. Larvae help themselves to leftover scraps and the adults are “anteaters,” enjoying hearty meals of ant larvae or pupae. How do the adult beetles infiltrate the nest? And why are they allowed to stay? Check out Eric R. Eaton’s article for the answers and more!
Size: Body length 10 mm – 13 mm for Cremastocheilus armatus
Photo by: Melissa Mathis on 5/3/22 in Greenough, MT