Aderida

Aderida is not an animal, but a genus of beetles in the family Aderidae.

These beetles are also known as ant-like leaf beetles or ant nest beetles, because they resemble ants and often live in ant nests.

These insects are small, usually less than 3 mm long, and have a distinctive shape with a narrow neck and a broad abdomen.

They feed on fungi and detritus, and some species are associated with specific ant hosts.

Aderida beetles have some interesting adaptations to their ant-associated lifestyle.

They can produce chemicals that mimic the pheromones of their ant hosts, allowing them to enter and exit the ant nests without being attacked.

They also have glands that secrete a sticky substance that can deter or immobilize predators.

Some species of Aderida have evolved a mutualistic relationship with their ant hosts, providing them with food or cleaning services in exchange for protection and shelter.

Aderida beetles are not well-studied, and many aspects of their biology and ecology remain unknown.

They are considered to be indicators of habitat quality and diversity, as they are sensitive to environmental changes and disturbances.

Some species of Aderida are threatened by habitat loss, fragmentation, and degradation, and may require conservation measures to ensure their survival.