Cychramptodes murrayi (Wattle tick scale predator)

Family Nitidulidae. The larvae of this small beetle predate female Wattle tick scale insects (Cryptes baccatus) and their brood, eating the scale from the inside out. The adult beetles feed on honeydew excreted by the same scale insect. Their shape protects them, in turn, from being predated by ants, which are also usually present at honeydew.

Regional distribution

Cychramptodes murrayi is listed in the following regions: