Hairy Rove Beetle

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Creophilus maxillosus: /ˌkriːoʊˈfaɪləs ˌmæksɪˈloʊsəs/

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Summary

Creophilus maxillosus, or the hairy rove beetle, is a predacious species found in wooded habitats, primarily feeding on decomposing carrion and maggots. It plays a crucial role in the ecosystem as a scavenger and predator and is often used in forensic investigations related to decomposition.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are shiny black, 12–18 mm long with large eyes and needle-like jaws. Larvae are cylindrical and stout, measuring 20–25 mm long. They have golden setae on various body parts including the head and elytra.

Identification Tips

Look for large eyes, thick beaded antennae with 11 segments, and the unique ability to form a tight ball when disturbed. The elytra cover the first few abdominal segments.

Habitat

Found in grassy and open forested habitats, along lake/ocean shorelines, and areas with carrion. They are often located in forest leaf litter and decaying plant material.

Distribution

Native to North America and the Palaearctic. In North America, it is widespread in the eastern U.S. and recorded from regions such as Ontario, Quebec, and Massachusetts.

Diet

Predacious, feeding on carcasses and maggots from decaying animals. Both larvae and adults have long mandibles adapted for chewing.

Life Cycle

Eggs develop in around 4 days, larvae last about 14 days, and pupae for 16 days, with a total life cycle duration estimated at 37 days.

Reproduction

Adulthood is typically marked by the laying of eggs in fresh sand. The specifics of mating behavior are not detailed.

Predators

Commonly preyed upon by various insectivorous animals, including larger predatory insects.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a significant role as a scavenger and predator in decomposition processes. Known to impact populations of Diptera larvae at carrion sites.

Economic Impact

Considered beneficial due to its role in scavenging and controlling maggot populations, though it may infest houses.

Health Concerns

Can inflict a painful bite with its mandibles if handled carelessly.

Collecting Methods

• Hand collection in wooded areas
• Using pitfall traps near carrion

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Pinning for adult specimens

Similar Taxa

• Other species within the Staphylinidae family
• Rove beetles in the Staphylininae subfamily

Misconceptions

Some may confuse C. maxillosus with other beetles due to its shiny appearance and habitat, not realizing its predatory behavior and specificity to carrion.

Tags

• Rove Beetle
• Predatory Insect
• Forensic Entomology
• Decomposition
• Carrion Scavenger