Paederinae
Guides
Achenomorphus
Achenomorphus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. The genus was established by Motschulsky in 1858 and contains multiple described species distributed across various regions. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles with the characteristic short elytra and elongated body form typical of rove beetles. The genus is classified within the tribe Lathrobiini and subtribe Medonina.
Achenomorphus corticinus
Achenomorphus corticinus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Paederinae. It is broadly distributed across eastern North America, with records spanning from southeastern Canada through the eastern and midwestern United States. The species inhabits forested environments and has been collected in association with bark and decaying wood. It is one of the more frequently encountered species in its genus, with over 450 observations documented on iNaturalist.
Astenus americanus
Astenus americanus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. It is a small, poorly known species with limited published information on its biology. The species has been recorded from northeastern North America, with scattered records from Canada and the eastern United States. Like other members of the genus Astenus, it likely inhabits leaf litter and soil environments, though specific ecological details remain undocumented.
Astenus brevipennis
Astenus brevipennis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Austin in 1877. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae, a group characterized by relatively slender bodies and predatory habits. The species name "brevipennis" refers to short wings, a trait common among rove beetles where the hardened forewings (elytra) are reduced and leave most of the abdomen exposed. This species has been recorded from scattered localities across eastern North America.
Astenus cinctus
Astenus cinctus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1831. As a member of the subfamily Paederinae, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory beetles characterized by their elongated bodies and short elytra. The genus Astenus contains numerous species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with A. cinctus documented from parts of Canada and the United States.
Astenus discopunctatus
Black-tailed Tomcat Rove Beetle
Astenus discopunctatus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Black-tailed Tomcat Rove Beetle. The species was originally described as Paederus discopunctatus by Thomas Say in 1831. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae, a diverse group of rove beetles often associated with leaf litter and soil habitats. The species has been documented across eastern and central North America.
Dacnochilus angularis
Dacnochilus angularis is a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae) described by Erichson in 1840. It belongs to the tribe Lathrobiini within the diverse rove beetle assemblage. The species has been recorded from the southern United States through Central America, with confirmed occurrences in Alabama, Texas, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Records from Colombia and Venezuela appear to be erroneous. Like other members of Staphylinidae, this species exhibits the characteristic shortened elytra that leave most of the abdomen exposed.
Echiaster
Echiaster is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) established by Erichson in 1839. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae, tribe Lathrobiini, and subtribe Echiasterina. The genus is poorly documented in modern literature, with limited species-level information available. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles found in leaf litter and soil habitats.
Echiasterina
Echiasterina is a subtribe of rove beetles within the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1905. It belongs to the tribe Lathrobiini in the subfamily Paederinae. Members of this subtribe are small to medium-sized beetles characterized by the typically short elytra that expose much of the abdomen, a defining feature of Staphylinidae. The group has limited observational records, with 47 observations documented on iNaturalist. Information regarding specific species composition, biology, and ecological roles remains sparse in published literature.
Homaeotarsus badius
Homaeotarsus badius is a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Gravenhorst in 1802. It is recorded from eastern North America, with distribution records spanning Canada (Ontario, Quebec) and the eastern and central United States. As a member of the subfamily Paederinae, it belongs to a diverse group of predatory beetles commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats.
Homaeotarsus floridanus
A rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by LeConte in 1878. The species epithet 'floridanus' indicates a primary association with Florida, though records extend to Maryland and New Jersey. As a member of subfamily Paederinae, it belongs to a diverse group of rove beetles characterized by relatively short elytra and flexible abdomens.
Homaeotarsus strenuus
Homaeotarsus strenuus is a species of rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Paederinae) described by Casey in 1905. The species is known from scattered records across the central and eastern United States. As a member of the Paederinae, it belongs to a diverse subfamily of rove beetles, many of which are associated with moist habitats and decaying organic matter. Very little specific biological information has been published for this particular species.
Lathrobiina
Lathrobiina is a subtribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Paederinae) containing approximately 25 genera. Members are small to medium-sized beetles characterized by the typical staphylinid body plan: shortened elytra exposing most of the abdomen. The subtribe has a global distribution with particular diversity in the Palaearctic region. Recent taxonomic revisions have recognized new genera based on subtle morphological distinctions, indicating ongoing refinement of the group's classification.
Lathropinus
Lathropinus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae, and tribe Pinophilini. The genus was established by Sharp in 1886. Species in this genus are small, elongate beetles with the characteristic abbreviated elytra of rove beetles, leaving most of the abdomen exposed. As members of Pinophilini, they are likely associated with forest floor habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lathropinus picipes
Lathropinus picipes is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. The genus name was historically confused with Lathrobium, and this species has been documented across a broad geographic range in the United States from the East Coast to the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain region. Records span Alabama, Washington D.C., Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Texas, Virginia, and Wyoming. As with most rove beetles, it likely inhabits moist ground-level microhabitats and exhibits predatory or scavenging feeding habits typical of the family, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Lissobiops
Lissobiops is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) described by Casey in 1905. It is currently classified as a synonym of the genus Homaeotarsus within the subfamily Paederinae. The genus was originally established for species now placed in the subgenus Homaeotarsus (Hesperobium).
Lithocharis
Lithocharis is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae, tribe Lathrobiini. The genus was established by Dejean in 1833. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized predatory beetles characterized by the typical rove beetle body plan: short elytra exposing most of the flexible abdomen. The genus is primarily distributed in the Holarctic region, with documented occurrences in northern Europe including Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
Lobrathium grande
Lobrathium grande is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1863. Originally placed in the genus Lathrobium, it was later transferred to Lobrathium. The species occurs in northeastern North America, with records from Canada and the eastern United States. As a member of the subfamily Paederinae, it belongs to a group of predatory rove beetles.
Medon
Medon is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. Species are small, typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats, with some taxa occurring in intertidal zones along coastlines. The genus is distributed across the Palearctic region, with significant diversity in Turkey (23+ species) and East Asia. Several species have been described in recent decades, indicating ongoing taxonomic refinement.
Medon fusculus
Medon fusculus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) originally described from Europe and now known from a broad Palearctic distribution extending from Western Europe through Turkey to the Caucasus, Middle East, and Iran. It has been introduced to eastern Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec). The species belongs to the diverse genus Medon, which contains numerous small, ground-dwelling species that are often poorly distinguished morphologically. Available records are sparse, with only three observations documented on iNaturalist.
Medonina
Medonina is a subtribe of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) established by Casey in 1905. As of 2024, it encompasses 49 genera distributed across multiple continents. The subtribe belongs to the tribe Lathrobiini within the subfamily Paederinae. Members are small to medium-sized predatory beetles commonly found in leaf litter, soil, and other decaying organic matter.
Megastilicus
Megastilicus is a genus of myrmecophilous rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Paederinae) endemic to North America. The genus was long considered monotypic, containing only Megastilicus formicarius Casey, 1889, until the description of Megastilicus iowaensis in 2021. These beetles are specialized associates of ants, particularly Formica ulkei. The genus is classified in the subtribe Stilicina based on morphological characteristics.
Megastilicus formicarius
Megastilicus formicarius is a myrmecophilous rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Paederinae) native to North America. It was the sole species in its genus until the 2021 description of M. iowaensis. The species is obligately associated with ants, specifically documented with Formica ulkei colonies. Like other myrmecophilous Paederinae, it likely lives within ant nests, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is known from museum specimens across northeastern and midwestern North America.
Myrmecosaurus
Myrmecosaurus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Paederinae. The genus was established by Wasmann in 1909 and is placed in the tribe Lathrobiini. Members of this genus are associated with ant colonies, reflecting their myrmecophilous lifestyle. The genus is relatively obscure with limited published documentation.
Ochthephilum fracticorne
Ochthephilum fracticorne is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) first described by Paykull in 1800. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae and is characterized by the abbreviated elytra typical of the family. The species has a broad native distribution across the Palearctic and has been introduced to North America.
Orus
Orus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae, described by Casey in 1885. The genus belongs to the tribe Lathrobiini and subtribe Scopaeina. These beetles are part of the diverse Staphylinidae family, which is one of the largest families of beetles. Very little specific information is available about the biology or ecology of this particular genus.
Orus ferrugineus
Orus ferrugineus is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Paederinae, described by Casey in 1905. The species is known from the western United States, with records from Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah. As a member of the large rove beetle family, it likely inhabits soil and leaf litter environments typical of the group, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Orus fraternus
Orus fraternus is a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Henry Clinton Fall in 1901. It belongs to the genus Orus within the tribe Lathrobiini. Very little is known about this species beyond its taxonomic placement and type locality in California.
Pachystilicus hanhami
Pachystilicus hanhami is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. It is known from scattered localities across North America, with records from Canada and the United States. The genus Pachystilicus belongs to the tribe Lathrobiini, a diverse group of small to medium-sized rove beetles. Very little is known about the specific biology of this species.
Palaminus
Palaminus is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) containing approximately 16 described species. The genus was established by Erichson in 1839 and belongs to the subfamily Paederinae, tribe Pinophilini. Rove beetles in this genus exhibit the characteristic elongated body and short elytra typical of Staphylinidae.
Palaminus testaceus
Palaminus testaceus is a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Erichson in 1840. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae, a diverse group of rove beetles often associated with decaying organic matter and moist habitats. The species is recorded from multiple states across the eastern and central United States.
Pinophilini
Pinophilini is a tribe of rove beetles in the subfamily Paederinae, family Staphylinidae. The tribe is divided into two subtribes: Pinophilina and Procirrina. The subtribe Procirrina contains eight extant genera with approximately 764 species. The oldest known fossil representative is †Cretoprocirrus trichotos from Upper Cretaceous Burmese amber (ca. 99 Ma), extending the fossil record of this tribe back from the previously known Cenozoic occurrences.
Pinophilus latipes
Pinophilus latipes is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Paederinae, described by Gravenhorst in 1802. The genus name Pinophilus suggests an association with conifers (from Latin 'pinus' for pine and 'philus' for loving), though specific ecological details for this species are limited in available sources. It is recorded across eastern North America from Canada through the eastern and central United States.
Pseudolathra
Pseudolathra is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Paederinae) established by Casey in 1905. The genus comprises approximately 13 species in the East Palaearctic and Oriental regions, with six species described in 2012 from Thailand, India, Pakistan, and Nepal. Species are currently divided between two subgenera: Allolathra for East Palaearctic/Oriental species and Pseudolathra for West Palaearctic species, reflecting separate phylogenetic lineages. The genus has undergone recent taxonomic revision including species revalidations, synonymies, and transfers from related genera.
Pseudolathra atriventris
Pseudolathra atriventris is a species of rove beetle (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Paederinae, first described by Casey in 1910. The species is placed in the genus Pseudolathra, a group of small to medium-sized predatory beetles within the tribe Lathrobiini. Records indicate it occurs in the United States, specifically Oklahoma and Rhode Island. Very little is known about its biology or ecology.
Pseudolathra famelica
Pseudolathra famelica is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Casey in 1905. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae and tribe Lathrobiini. The species has been documented from limited localities in Canada (Quebec) and the United States (Iowa, Oklahoma). As with many rove beetles, detailed natural history information remains sparse in the published literature.
Pseudomedon
Pseudomedon is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subtribe Medonina, established by Mulsant & Rey in 1878. The genus contains approximately 23 species distributed across the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, Australasian, Nearctic, and Oriental regions. Larval morphology has been described for at least one species, revealing two instars with distinctive anatomical features. Adults are rarely encountered in Europe and often require male genitalia analysis for accurate species identification.
Rugilus
Rugilus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) established by Leach in 1819. It represents one of the major genera within the subfamily Paederinae. The genus contains multiple species distributed across Europe, with some members considered rare and associated with specific forest habitats.
Rugilus angularis
Rugilus angularis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. It is a small, ground-dwelling beetle with a transcontinental distribution across North America, ranging from Canada through the United States to Mexico. The species was first described by Wilhelm Ferdinand Erichson in 1840. Like other members of the genus Rugilus, it is characterized by its compact body form and association with leaf litter and soil habitats.
Rugilus rudis
Rugilus rudis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Paederinae and tribe Lathrobiini. The species is native to eastern North America, with documented occurrence records from the northeastern and mid-Atlantic United States. Like other members of the genus Rugilus, it is a small, ground-dwelling beetle likely associated with leaf litter and soil habitats.
Scopaeina
Scopaeina is a subtribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Lathrobiini, subfamily Paederinae. It was established by Mulsant and Rey in 1878. Members are small to medium-sized beetles with the characteristic short elytra and elongated body form typical of the family. The subtribe is distinguished by specific morphological features of the aedeagus and other genitalic structures, though detailed biological information remains limited.
Stilicopsina
Stilicopsina is a subtribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) established by Casey in 1905, classified within the tribe Lathrobiini and subfamily Paederinae. As a subtribe, it represents a grouping of genera sharing derived morphological characteristics that distinguish them from other Lathrobiini. The subtribe is part of the megadiverse Staphylinidae family, one of the largest families of organisms. Species within Stilicopsina are small to medium-sized beetles with the characteristic reduced elytra and exposed abdominal segments typical of rove beetles. The subtribe has been documented in iNaturalist with over 100 observations, indicating some level of field detectability.
Sunius
Sunius is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Paederinae) in the Palaearctic region, currently comprising approximately 138 described species and two subspecies. The genus exhibits notable diversity in Turkey, where 25 species have been documented. Multiple species are micropterous (wingless) and appear to be locally endemic, particularly in Anatolia. Taxonomic revisions continue to expand the known fauna, with recent descriptions from Turkey, Iran, and Iraq.
Sunius melanocephalus
Sunius melanocephalus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Paederinae. It is native to the Palearctic region with a broad distribution across Europe, Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The species has been introduced to North America, where it is established in parts of Canada and the northeastern United States.
Tetartopeus
Tetartopeus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Czwalina in 1888. The genus contains at least four described species distributed across Europe, Japan, and North America. One species, Tetartopeus ciceronii, is endemic to Italy. The genus belongs to the subfamily Paederinae and tribe Lathrobiini.
Tetartopeus niger
Tetartopeus niger is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by J.L. LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the tribe Lathrobiini within the subfamily Paederinae. The species has a broad trans-Pacific distribution, occurring across northern North America and East Asia.
Tetartopeus tetricus
Tetartopeus tetricus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Casey in 1905. It belongs to the genus Tetartopeus, a group within the subfamily Paederinae. The species has a broad distribution across eastern North America, with records extending from Canada through the United States to the Caribbean.