Silpha carinata
ExploreInsects
Silpha carinata
Silpha carinata
The Silpha carinata, also known as the black rove beetle, is a shiny black insect that loves to explore the ground. It has a long body and can often be found in leaf litter or under logs.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Silpha carinata is a flattened, oval-shaped beetle, typically 12-20mm long. It is mostly dull black, but has a striking, large reddish-orange or yellow-orange plate (pronotum) behind its head, often with a darker central smudge. Its wing cases are distinctly ridged.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyStaphylinidaeGenusSilpha
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Did you know its scientific name 'carinata' means 'keeled' because of its ridged back?
Some of its relatives can actually bury small animal bodies underground for food!
Studying these beetles helps scientists understand how nature cleans itself up!
This beetle is sometimes called a 'carrion beetle' because it loves to eat dead things!
Special abilities
Ability
Decomposition Dynamo
Silpha carinata can break down dead animals and plants because of its specialized digestive system, helping to recycle nutrients.
Ability
Odor Oiler
Silpha carinata can release foul-smelling chemicals from its rear because of special glands, which helps them deter hungry predators.
Ability
Carrion Compass
Silpha carinata has super-sensitive antennae that helps them sniff out the scent of decaying matter from far away.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-40 mm
- Size
- 12-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-90 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
This beetle is a clean-up expert, munching on dead animals, fungi, and sometimes even other insects!
Age differences: Larvae primarily consume carrion; adults may also prey on other small invertebrates.
Primary Foods
- Carrion (dead animals)
- Fly larvae (maggots)
- Fungi
- Slugs
- Snails
Foraging Method
- Scavenging
Ecological connections
eats
House Mouse
Mus musculus
scavenges on their dead bodies
hunts
Common Green Bottle Fly
Lucilia sericata
predates on their maggots on carrion
eaten by
Blackbird
Turdus merula
can be prey for ground-feeding birds
eaten by
Common Shrew
Sorex araneus
can be prey for small, insectivorous mammals
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Be gentle and watch where you step to avoid hurting small insects like this beetle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Silpha carinata's wingspan?
25-40 mm
How big is Silpha carinata?
12-20 mm
How long does Silpha carinata live?
30-90 days
What does Silpha carinata eat?
This beetle is a clean-up expert, munching on dead animals, fungi, and sometimes even other insects!
Where is Silpha carinata usually found?
Forests
How does Silpha carinata hunt?
Scavenging
How many legs does Silpha carinata have?
6
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