Adhesive-prey-capture

Guides

  • Steninae

    Water Skater Beetles

    Steninae is a megadiverse subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing over 3,000 species worldwide, primarily in the genera *Stenus* and *Dianous*. Members are characterized by their unique prey-capture apparatus: a protrusible elongated labium with paraglossae modified into adhesive pads that eject via haemolymph pressure to capture springtails and other small arthropods. Many species exhibit remarkable water-gliding behavior using gland secretions that reduce surface tension. Adults are diurnal, visually oriented predators of moist habitats.