Myrmecophilus testaceus (Tawny Ant Cricket)

Although not listed as threatened, ant crickets are rarely encountered as the spend their life inside the nests of ants (Myrmecia spp.) This is one reason they are rarely recorded because of the aggressive nature of their hosts. They are probably more common than records suggest. 

They are kleptoparasites, meaning they steal food from the ants. They collect dropped food or mimic ant behaviour to solicit food from the ants. They are very small, only 2 to 3 mm in length, wingless, almost blind, and silent. They cover themselves with the same odour as the host ants so they are tolerated. 

Regional distribution

Myrmecophilus testaceus is listed in the following regions: