Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) are arguably the peak of insect morphology and sheer success when looking at their diversity and range of habitats!
They combine the most successful traits found in many different insect species, from the iconic elytra of beetles (which they are despite their appearance) to a long flexible body that opens up many opportunities for them, more so than any other beetle. Rove beetles occupy virtually all known terrestrial niches and environments and feed on an insane range of organic matter, from fungi and plants to live prey and carrion. Some are even parasitoids and some live exclusively in the fur of mammals feeding on fleas and lice.
Now we come to the species that genuinely caught my interest recently. Even among rove beetles this one is quite interesting.
He is a surfer!
No really it occupies beaches and sandy coastal areas and feeds on whatever is unfortunate enough to be in the open at night.
This beetle can't fly but still has his iconic elytra although drastically reduced and I may add quite cute now
The colouration is of course an adaptation for blending in with the sand and the body is flat and flexible to allow for greater mobility when hunting or digging.
Now lets take a look at Thinopinus pictus a.k.a. pictured rove beetle!
We will start with the larvae who are, as their parents, vicious little predators!
Now on to the adults!
Look at that innocent face!
He would never bite you!
Gorgeous and feisty!
Overall look.
A true beauty and possibly my pick for sexiest and cutest of all vicious killer beetles!
They combine the most successful traits found in many different insect species, from the iconic elytra of beetles (which they are despite their appearance) to a long flexible body that opens up many opportunities for them, more so than any other beetle. Rove beetles occupy virtually all known terrestrial niches and environments and feed on an insane range of organic matter, from fungi and plants to live prey and carrion. Some are even parasitoids and some live exclusively in the fur of mammals feeding on fleas and lice.
Now we come to the species that genuinely caught my interest recently. Even among rove beetles this one is quite interesting.
He is a surfer!
No really it occupies beaches and sandy coastal areas and feeds on whatever is unfortunate enough to be in the open at night.
This beetle can't fly but still has his iconic elytra although drastically reduced and I may add quite cute now
The colouration is of course an adaptation for blending in with the sand and the body is flat and flexible to allow for greater mobility when hunting or digging.
Now lets take a look at Thinopinus pictus a.k.a. pictured rove beetle!
We will start with the larvae who are, as their parents, vicious little predators!
Now on to the adults!
Look at that innocent face!
He would never bite you!
Gorgeous and feisty!
Overall look.
A true beauty and possibly my pick for sexiest and cutest of all vicious killer beetles!
