Ant Beetle
Thanasimus formicarius
This record describes Thanasimus formicarius (species). Recorded family: Cleridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Although the pattern varies, the elytra always has two pale cross bars. The thorax is red. It reaches a length of up to 10mm. Feeds on bark beetles and their grubs in various trees, it is therefore often seen on the trunks of trees. This beetle spends two years in the larval stage. The adults overwinter and disperse in spring to fallen trees to await the arrival of their bark beetle prey. They first bite off the legs of those they catch to stop them running away. The species is fairly widespread in England, but less so in Scotland or Wales.
Wikipedia reference for Thanasimus formicarius: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanasimus_formicarius.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Cleroidea
- Family
- Cleridae (Checkered Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Clerinae
- Genus
- Thanasimus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Feeds on bark beetles and their grubs in various trees, it is therefore often seen on the trunks of trees.
Seasonal Activity
Mostly May to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This beetle spends two years in the larval stage. The adults overwinter and disperse in spring to fallen trees to await the arrival of their bark beetle prey. They first bite off the legs of those they catch to stop them running away.
Additional species information
Recorded status
The species is fairly widespread in England, but less so in Scotland or Wales.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Thanasimus formicarius. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Ant Beetle (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ant Beetle
What is Ant Beetle?
Ant Beetle (Thanasimus formicarius) is a species in the family Cleridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ant Beetle?
of up to 10mm.
Where is Ant Beetle found?
Habitat: Feeds on bark beetles and their grubs in various trees, it is therefore often seen on the trunks of trees.
When is Ant Beetle active?
Ant Beetle: seasonal activity - Mostly May to August..
What is the life cycle of a Ant Beetle?
This beetle spends two years in the larval stage. The adults overwinter and disperse in spring to fallen trees to await the arrival of their bark beetle prey. They first bite off the legs of those they catch to stop them running away.