Staphylinidae
Pronunciation: [Sta⋅phy·LIN·i⋅dae]
Common Name: Rove Beetles
Description: Rove beetles vary in size but are seldom longer than one inch. When not in flight, their hind wings are hidden under very short elytra. The body is slender and elongate with at least four abdominal tergites visible behind the elytra. These tergites are covered with small hairs. Similar to Silphidae, rove beetles can be observed feeding on the decaying bodies of small mammals. They also use their long and sharp mandibles to feed on various insects such as maggots and aphids. Although smaller in size, the larvae in this family act and feed as the adults.
Spot ID Key Characters:
- Short elytra that leave more than 4 abdominal tergites visible
- Superficially similar to earwigs but missing pincer-like cerci
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Order: Coleoptera
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