Staphylinidae
Common Name
Rove beetles
Overview
Staphylinidae is one of the largest families of beetles, with more than 63,000 described species found worldwide. Members of this family can be identified by their characteristic elongated bodies and very short elytra that leave more than half of their abdomens exposed.
Taxonomy
Key Characteristics
- Size: Varies greatly across species, from 1 mm to over 35 mm.
- Body Shape: Elongated, with flexible bodies.
- Elytra: Short and expose several abdominal segments.
- Antennae: Generally filiform (thread-like) and often composed of 11 segments.
- Color: Varied; many are dark-colored, but some can be brightly colored or metallic.
Life Cycle
- Egg: Laid individually or in small groups in soil, leaf litter, or decaying organic material.
- Larva: Typically elongate, grub-like, and active predators.
- Pupa: Development occurs within a protected environment in soil or decaying matter.
- Adult: Emerges to continue the cycle, often lives a few weeks to several months.
Behavior and Ecology
- Habitat: Found in almost every type of habitat, including forests, fields, marshes, and urban areas.
- Diet: Many are predatory, feeding on other insects and arthropods; others may scavenge or be herbivorous.
- Roles: Often control pest populations by preying on harmful insects. Some species are also involved in decomposing organic matter.
Notable Species
- Aleochara bilineata: Known for its role in controlling root maggot populations.
- Paederus fuscipes: Found in many parts of the world; their defensive secretion can cause skin irritation known as Paederus dermatitis.
- Creophilus maxillosus: Commonly associated with decomposing animal remains, making them useful in forensic entomology.
Conservation
Most species of Staphylinidae are not under significant threat. However, habitat destruction and pollution can impact local populations. Some species may be used as indicators of environmental health.
Significance to Humans
- Agriculture: Many species beneficially predate on agricultural pests.
- Forensic Science: Some species are used to estimate post-mortem intervals in forensic investigations.
- Biodiversity Indicators: Serve as bioindicators due to their sensitivity to environmental changes.