Rove Beetle
COMMON NAME: Rove Beetle
SCIENTIFIC NAME: various; Order Coleoptera
FAMILY: Staphylinidae, several species
SIZE: Adult – 1/8″ to 1″
IDENTIFICATION: Fast-moving brownish or black beetles with very short front wings that leave much of the abdomen uncovered. Full-length hind wings are folded and concealed beneath the stubby front wings. When disturbed, they turn up the tip of their abdomen and assume a stinging pose. Larvae look like adults without wings. biology and life cycle: Rove beetles are scavengers or predators on insects found in decaying organic materials. They are often seen around dung, carrion, and compost piles. Most species over-winter as adults, laying eggs in the soil in the spring. Larvae have three molts, and then pupate in the soil.
HABITAT: Decaying animal and vegetable matter in the soil. They can be found in corn tassels, root and cabbage crops, compost, and other organic matter.
FEEDING HABITS: Active at night. Predators of aphids, springtails, mites, nematodes, slugs, fly eggs, and maggots. They are scavengers and predators.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE: Control of several troublesome insects.
NATURAL CONTROL: None needed – beneficial.
ORGANIC CONTROL: None needed.
INSIGHT: We haven’t seen many of these insects, but we know they’re around.