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Rove Beetles

Staphylinidae

Rove beetles are small, fast insects that love to hide under leaves and rocks. They have long bodies and short wings, making them look a bit different from other beetles.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Rove Beetles has an elongated body with very short wing covers, called elytra, that expose most of its abdomen. They are typically slender, often dark brown or black, though some species exhibit vibrant colors like red or metallic sheens.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyStaphylinidae
Rove Beetles
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgedecomposer trait badge
Rove Beetles

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Many rove beetles curve their abdomen up like a scorpion when threatened, but they don't sting!

Scientists discover new species of rove beetles every year, even in unexpected places!

Some rove beetles are masters of disguise, mimicking ants to steal food!

There are over 63,000 kinds of rove beetles, making them Earth's biggest beetle family!

Special abilities

Ability

Chemical Blaster

Rove Beetles can release defensive chemicals from their abdominal glands, creating a bad taste or smell to deter predators.

Ability

Speedy Sprint

Rove Beetles are incredibly fast runners because of their strong legs, helping them quickly chase prey or escape danger.

Ability

Ant Impersonator

Some Rove Beetles have bodies that mimic ants in shape and color, helping them live unnoticed among ant colonies.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
2-50 mm
Size
1-25 mm
Lifespan
30-180 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Many rove beetles are fierce hunters of small insects and other tiny creatures.

Primary Foods

  • Aphids
  • Mites
  • Springtails
  • Fly larvae
  • Small slugs
  • Decaying organic matter

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Black bean aphid

Aphis fabae

Rove beetles hunt garden pests.

eaten by

Common blackbird

Turdus merula

Birds eat rove beetles.

parasitizes

Cabbage root fly

Delia radicum

Some rove beetles parasitize fly pupae.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Rove beetles are harmless, but it's best to watch them from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rove Beetles's wingspan?

2-50 mm

How big is Rove Beetles?

1-25 mm

How long does Rove Beetles live?

30-180 days

What does Rove Beetles eat?

Many rove beetles are fierce hunters of small insects and other tiny creatures.

Where is Rove Beetles usually found?

Forests

How does Rove Beetles hunt?

Pursuit

How many legs does Rove Beetles have?

6

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Where to spot

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