Rove beetles

Code QC189999

A largely terrestrial family of polyphagan beetles with some semi-aquatic representatives. Adult staphylinid beetles are readily recognised to family by the long, flexible body and by the short, truncate elytra which leave at least half of the abdomen exposed. Full-sized flying wings are nearly always present and at rest are folded in a complicated fashion under the elytra.

Other identifying features of Staphylinidae include 10-11 segmented antennae without a club or with a loose club, 6-7 visible sternites, tarsal formula any of 5-5-5, 4-5-5, 4-4-4, 4-4-5, 5-5-4, or 3-3-3. Overall length between 1-20 mm.

Of the semi-aquatic staphylinids (Polyphaga: Staphylinoidea), Stenus (Steninae) lives in marshes and at the edges of streams and ponds, and is predatory; whilst Bledius (Oxytelinae) burrows in moist sand adjacent to rivers and lakes and feed on algae and diatoms. Paederus (Paederinae), which live in gravel beside streams, cause welts on the skin when irritated or crushed. The welts appear 1-2 days after handling the insect.

Reference:

Lawrence, J.F. and Britton, E.B. (1991) Coleoptera. pp. 543-683. In: CSIRO, Insects of Australia. Volume 2. Melbourne University Press, Carlton, Victoria.