Rove-beetle
Guides
Coproporus pulchellus
Coproporus pulchellus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described by Erichson in 1839 under the basionym Tachinus pulchellus. It belongs to the subfamily Tachyporinae and tribe Vatesini. The species has been recorded from several islands in the Azores archipelago (Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, São Jorge).
Coproporus ventriculus
Coproporus ventriculus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Tachyporinae. It belongs to a genus associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats. The species has a broad North American distribution spanning much of Canada and the United States. Like other members of Tachyporinae, it is likely associated with rotting substrates where it feeds on fungal spores and hyphae, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited.
Crematoxenini
Crematoxenini is a tribe of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae) established by Mann in 1921. The tribe comprises eleven genera and approximately eighteen described species. Members of this tribe are myrmecophiles, living in association with army ants (Ecitoninae).
Creophilus
hairy rove beetle
Creophilus is a genus of large rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing some of the largest species in the family, reaching up to 30 mm in length. The genus includes approximately 12 described species distributed globally, with C. maxillosus being the most widely studied due to its forensic significance. Species in this genus are strongly associated with carrion habitats where they function as predators of fly larvae. The genus was revised in 2011, with two new species described and several synonymizations.
Creophilus maxillosus
hairy rove beetle
Creophilus maxillosus, commonly known as the hairy rove beetle, is a large predatory rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. Adults measure 12–18 mm and are characterized by shiny black coloration with distinctive golden setae on the head, pronotum, and posterior abdominal segments. The species is strongly associated with carrion and decomposition environments, where it functions as both a scavenger and active predator of fly larvae. It has forensic significance for estimating post-mortem intervals, though its widespread distribution and transient nature limit its utility as a geographic indicator. The beetle possesses chemical defense glands that secrete irritant compounds when threatened.
Ctenisis raffrayi
Ctenisis raffrayi is a species of rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small, often ant-associated beetles characterized by reduced elytra and compact bodies. The species was described by Casey in 1893 and belongs to the tribe Ctenistini. It occurs in southwestern North America and Central America. Like other pselaphines, it is likely associated with leaf litter and soil habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ctenisodes abruptus
Ctenisodes abruptus is a species of rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small, often ant-associated beetles. The species was described by Casey in 1893. It belongs to the tribe Ctenistini, characterized by specialized morphological adaptations. Records indicate presence in Arizona, USA.
Ctenisodes piceus
ant-loving beetle
Ctenisodes piceus is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by LeConte in 1849. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group of small rove beetles commonly associated with ant colonies. The species occurs in northeastern North America, with records from Canada and the eastern United States.
Ctenisodes pulvereus
ant-loving beetle
Ctenisodes pulvereus is a species of rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as an ant-loving beetle. It was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1852 and is found in North America, with records from Arizona and California. Members of this subfamily are typically small, compact beetles associated with ant colonies.
Ctenistini
ant-loving beetles
Ctenistini is a tribe of minute ant-loving beetles in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae, specifically within the subfamily Pselaphinae. The tribe was established by Blanchard in 1845 with Ctenistes as the type genus. It comprises at least five genera and approximately six described species, though the group remains poorly studied.
Cyparium
Cyparium is a genus of rove beetles in the subfamily Scaphidiinae, described by Erichson in 1845. The genus comprises approximately 55 species with strongest representation in the Neotropical and Oriental regions. Species are associated with fungal substrates. The genus was recently revised with descriptions of five new Brazilian species.
Cyparium ater
Cyparium ater is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Scaphidiinae. Described by Casey in 1900, this species is currently treated as a synonym of Cyparium atrum. The genus Cyparium belongs to the tribe Cypariini within the scaphidiine rove beetles. Very little is known about the biology or ecology of this species.
Cyparium concolor
Cyparium concolor is a rove beetle in the subfamily Scaphidiinae, a group commonly known as shining fungus beetles. The species was described by Fabricius in 1801 and is native to eastern North America. Scaphidiine beetles are generally associated with fungal substrates, though specific ecological details for C. concolor remain limited.
Cyphea wallisi
Cyphea wallisi is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Fenyes in 1921. It belongs to the subfamily Aleocharinae, a large and diverse group of small beetles. The species is known from multiple Canadian provinces, with records spanning from Alberta to Prince Edward Island. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting it may be underreported or genuinely uncommon.
Cyrtoquedius verres
Cyrtoquedius verres is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Smetana in 1971. It belongs to the subtribe Cyrtoquediina within the tribe Staphylinini. The species is documented from multiple U.S. states and Mexico, indicating a broad distribution across the southeastern and south-central United States and adjacent Mexico. As a member of Staphylinidae, it possesses the characteristic short elytra that leave most of the abdomen exposed.
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.
Dadobiina
Dadobiina is a subtribe of rove beetles within the family Staphylinidae, established by Muona in 1979. It is classified within the tribe Athetini and subtribe Athetina of the subfamily Aleocharinae. The subtribe is currently treated as a synonym in the Catalogue of Life. Dadobiina represents a historical taxonomic grouping within the diverse and species-rich aleocharine rove beetles.
Dalmosanus steevesi
Dalmosanus steevesi is a species of ant-loving beetle (myrmecophile) in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It is a small rove beetle known to inhabit ant colonies. The species was described in 1968 from North American specimens.
Dalmosella tenuis
Dalmosella tenuis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It is a small beetle belonging to the tribe Trichonychini within the diverse Pselaphinae, a group known for their compact bodies and reduced elytra. The species was described by Thomas L. Casey in 1897 and occurs across eastern North America.
StaphylinidaePselaphinaerove-beetleNorth-AmericaCasey-1897TrichonychiniDalmosellaColeopterabeetleinsectarthropodAnimaliaInsectaPolyphagaStaphyliniformiaStaphylinoideaEuplectitaeTrimiinaNew-BrunswickAlabamaDistrict-of-ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMaineMississippiNorth-CarolinaNew-HampshireNew-JerseyOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaTennesseeVirginiaUSACanadaeastern-North-AmericaDasycerus
Dasycerus is the sole extant genus in the rove beetle subfamily Dasycerinae, comprising 25 recognized species. Nine cryptic species were recently discovered in 2024, previously attributed to D. carolinensis, distinguishable only by male aedeagal dissection or DNA analysis. The genus exhibits notable intraspecific genetic diversity and cryptic speciation, particularly in montane populations.
Dasycerus angulicollis
Dasycerus angulicollis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1882. It belongs to the subfamily Dasycerinae, a small and morphologically distinctive group within the rove beetles. The species is known from California, USA, with limited published information available regarding its biology and ecology. Members of the genus Dasycerus are characterized by their unusual body form among staphylinids.
Decarthron
Decarthron is a genus of ant-loving beetles (myrmecophiles) in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. The genus contains more than 20 described species. These beetles belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a group characterized by small body size and association with ants or other social insects. The genus was established by Brendel in 1865.
Decarthron abnorme
ant eating beetle
Decarthron abnorme is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) described by J.L. LeConte in 1849. It is known for its association with ants, earning it the common name 'ant eating beetle'. The species has been recorded across much of Canada and the northern and eastern United States. Despite its broad distribution, it remains poorly documented in the literature, with only a single observation in iNaturalist suggesting it is rarely encountered or underreported.
Decarthron longulum
ant-loving beetle
Decarthron longulum is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1849. It belongs to a genus commonly referred to as 'ant-loving beetles' due to their association with ant colonies. The species has been documented across eastern North America, from southern Ontario and Quebec through the northeastern and midwestern United States.
Decarthron stigmosum
ant-loving beetle
Decarthron stigmosum is a species of rove beetle in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly referred to as ant-loving beetles. The species was described by Brendel in 1865. It is distributed across eastern North America, with records from Canada and multiple U.S. states. Like other Pselaphinae, it is associated with ant colonies, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Decusa expansa
Decusa expansa is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. It belongs to the tribe Oxypodini within the subtribe Dinardina. The species has been documented from several eastern and midwestern U.S. states. Like other aleocharine rove beetles, it is likely small-bodied with reduced elytra typical of the family.
Deinopteroloma
Deinopteroloma is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Anthophagini) established by Jansson in 1946. The genus was transferred from Silphidae to Staphylinidae based on morphological evidence and is now classified within the Anthobium group of genera. Species occur in the Pacific Northwest of North America, the Nepal Himalayas, northeastern Burma, China (Sichuan, Yunnan), and northern Vietnam. The genus includes at least nine described species, with several new species described from China and Vietnam in 2016.
Deleaster dichrous
Deleaster dichrous is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Oxytelinae) native to the Western Palaearctic, with established introduced populations in northeastern North America. Adults measure 6.5–8 mm and display distinctive coloration with dark brown head and abdomen contrasting with orange antennae, legs, and thorax. The species occupies diverse open habitats from grasslands to coastal areas and exhibits nocturnal tendencies, with adults active primarily in spring and summer.
Devia
Devia is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae. The genus was established by Blackwelder in 1952 and is classified within the tribe Oxypodini. Rove beetles in this genus are small, elongate beetles with the characteristic abbreviated elytra that leave much of the abdomen exposed. The genus is distinct from the plant genus Devia (Iridaceae), which was described later by Goldblatt & Manning in 1990.
Devia prospera
Devia prospera is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) described by Erichson in 1839. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring naturally across northern Eurasia from Europe through Russia to Japan, and has been introduced to North America where it is now established across Canada and the northern United States. As a member of the diverse rove beetle family, it inhabits various terrestrial environments where these beetles are typically found.
Dexiogyia angustiventris
Dexiogyia angustiventris is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae. The species was described by Casey in 1893 and is known from scattered records across eastern North America. It belongs to the tribe Oxypodini, a group of aleocharines commonly associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
Diestota
Diestota is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Diestotini. The genus was established by Mulsant & Rey in 1870. Members of this genus are small, typically inconspicuous beetles associated with decaying organic matter. Very few observations of this genus exist in public databases, suggesting either genuine rarity or undercollecting due to their cryptic habits.
Diestota rufipennis
Diestota rufipennis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Casey in 1893. It belongs to the subfamily Aleocharinae, a large and diverse group of small staphylinids often associated with leaf litter and soil habitats. The species is known from limited records in the southwestern United States. Like other members of the tribe Diestotini, it is poorly studied and biological details remain scarce.
Dinaraea aequata
Dinaraea aequata is a small rove beetle (2.5–3.7 mm) in the subfamily Aleocharinae, native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is saproxylic, inhabiting subcortical galleries of decaying wood and fungal fruiting bodies. The species was among the first in its genus to have its larval morphology and life history described in detail, including all three instars, prepupa, and pupal cocoon.
Dinaraea angustula
Rove beetle
Dinaraea angustula is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae) first described by Gyllenhal in 1810. Originally placed in Aleochara, it was later transferred to Dinaraea. The species has a Holarctic distribution, occurring naturally across Europe and northern Asia, with introduced populations established in North America. It is one of many aleocharine rove beetles characterized by reduced elytra and a compact body form.
Dinardilla liometopi
Dinardilla liometopi is a small rove beetle described by Wasmann in 1901. It belongs to the tribe Sceptobiini within the large subfamily Aleocharinae. The species occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Very few observations exist in public databases, indicating it is rarely collected or potentially cryptic in habit.
Dinocoryna
Dinocoryna is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the tribe Lomechusini, subfamily Aleocharinae. The genus was established by Casey in 1893 and contains at least six described species distributed in North America. Members of this genus are myrmecophilous, meaning they are associated with ant colonies.
Dinocoryna arizonensis
Dinocoryna arizonensis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the order Coleoptera. It was described by Seevers in 1959. The species is a known myrmecophile, documented as an associate of Neivamyrmex army ants. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona and California.
Dinothenarus
Dinothenarus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Thomson in 1858. The genus contains at least two described species and has a disjunct distribution spanning northern North America, Eurasia, and Mexico. The subgenus Dinothenarus (s. str.) was previously known only from northern North America and Eurasia until the discovery of D. amisadaiae in the high mountains of central Mexico, representing a significant range extension.
Dinothenarus badipes
Dinothenarus badipes is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, widespread across northern North America. The species inhabits forested and open terrestrial environments, with records spanning 312 iNaturalist observations. It belongs to a genus of moderate-sized rove beetles with characteristic body proportions.
Dinothenarus nigrellus
Dinothenarus nigrellus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is a relatively obscure species with limited published biological information, known primarily from collection records in western North America. The genus Dinothenarus belongs to the tribe Staphylinini, one of the largest and most diverse groups within rove beetles.
Dinothenarus saphyrinus
Dinothenarus saphyrinus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by LeConte in 1861. The species belongs to the genus Dinothenarus, a group within the large and diverse rove beetle family. Records indicate it occurs in western North America, with confirmed observations from British Columbia, Canada. Like other staphylinids, it has short elytra that leave most of the abdomen exposed. The genus Dinothenarus is relatively small and poorly documented in the literature.
Diochus
Diochus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) with cosmopolitan distribution, though most species diversity occurs in the Neotropical region. The genus comprises over 80 described species organized into six species groups based on morphological characteristics. Taxonomic revision has synonymized some historically described species and clarified species boundaries through detailed morphological analysis.
Diochus schaumii
Diochus schaumi is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described by Kraatz in 1860 as D. schaumii. It belongs to the D. schaumii-group, which includes four other Neotropical species: D. angustiformis, D. argentinus, D. brunneus, and D. curtipennis. The species was synonymised with D. vilis Sharp, 1885. It has a broad geographic range spanning North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean.
Dropephylla cacti
Dropephylla cacti is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae, described by Schwarz in 1899. The species epithet 'cacti' suggests an association with cactus habitats. It is recorded from arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States including Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Nevada. As a member of the omaliine rove beetles, it likely inhabits decaying plant matter, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Drusilla
Drusilla is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Leach in 1819. It belongs to the tribe Lomechusini within the subfamily Aleocharinae. At least two species have been described in this genus. Members are small beetles with the characteristic short elytra of rove beetles, exposing most of the abdomen.
Dytoscotes pacificus
Dytoscotes pacificus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Phloeocharinae. It was described by Smetana and Campbell in 1980. The species is known from Oregon in the western United States. Very little information is available about its biology, ecology, or specific habitat requirements.
Earota
Earota is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Geostibini. The genus was established by Mulsant and Rey in 1873. As a member of Geostibini, Earota belongs to a group of aleocharine rove beetles often associated with soil and ground-dwelling habitats. The genus contains relatively few described species and remains poorly studied in comparison to more speciose aleocharine genera.
Earota dentata
Earota dentata is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae. First described by Bernhauer in 1906 under the name Atheta dentata, this species is currently placed in the genus Earota within the tribe Geostibini. It has a broad transcontinental distribution across North America, with records from Canada and the United States spanning multiple provinces and states.
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.