Rove-beetle
Guides
Neobisnius paederoides
Neobisnius paederoides is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subtribe Philonthina within the large tribe Staphylinini. The species is recorded from both the United States and Canada, with most observations concentrated in eastern and central North America. It is one of relatively few documented species in the genus Neobisnius, which contains predatory rove beetles often associated with decaying organic matter.
Neobisnius sobrinus
A rove beetle in the genus *Neobisnius*, widely distributed across the Americas from Canada to Brazil. The species was revised taxonomically in 1995, with four names newly synonymized under it. Adults are described and illustrated in taxonomic literature, but detailed ecological and life history information remains sparse.
Neobisnius terminalis
A rove beetle species in the genus Neobisnius, recognized as valid with two subspecies: N. t. terminalis and N. t. elegantulus (Horn). Formerly considered distinct species, N. delicatulus and N. adustus are now synonymized under this name. The species is part of a taxonomic revision recognizing 39 New World species in the genus, with adults described and illustrated.
Neobolitobius varians
Neobolitobius varians is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Mycetoporinae. It was described by Hatch in 1957. The species is known from the Pacific Northwest region of North America, with records from British Columbia, Oregon, and Washington. As a member of the Mycetoporinae, it likely inhabits forest floor environments where these beetles are commonly found. Beyond taxonomic placement and geographic distribution, detailed biological information about this species remains sparse in the available literature.
Neohypnus hamatus
Hooked Rove Beetle
A rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, characterized by the notably short elytra typical of the family. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1830 and is widely distributed across northern North America. The common name "Hooked Rove Beetle" refers to a distinctive morphological feature, likely a hooked structure on the body.
Neotobia
Neotobia is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Homalotini, and subtribe Bolitocharina. It was described by Ashe in 1992. As a member of the diverse aleocharine fauna, it belongs to a lineage characterized by small body size and reduced elytra. The genus appears to be rarely collected, with minimal observational records available.
Neotobia alberta
Neotobia alberta is a rove beetle species described by Ashe in 1992, belonging to the subfamily Aleocharinae within the family Staphylinidae. The species is known from scattered localities across Canada and the northeastern United States. As a member of the Homalotini tribe, it is likely associated with fungal or decaying organic substrates, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species name refers to Alberta, Canada, where the type specimen was presumably collected.
Nisaxis
Nisaxis is a genus of ant-loving beetles (myrmecophiles) in the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1886. The genus comprises at least four described species distributed across North America. As members of the subfamily Pselaphinae, these beetles are minute, compact rove beetles associated with ant colonies. The genus is classified within the tribe Brachyglutini.
Nisaxis tomentosa
Nisaxis tomentosa is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, specifically within the ant-associated subfamily Pselaphinae. It has been recorded across a broad geographic range spanning North America, the Caribbean, and South America. The species epithet 'tomentosa' refers to a densely hairy or woolly appearance.
Nitidotachinus agilis
Nitidotachinus agilis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1877. It belongs to the subfamily Tachyporinae, a group commonly known as cramp-ball fungi beetles or associated with decaying organic matter. The species is documented from western North America, with records spanning from the southwestern United States to the Pacific Northwest.
Nitidotachinus horni
Nitidotachinus horni is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Campbell in 1973. It belongs to the subfamily Tachyporinae and tribe Tachinusini. The species is native to eastern North America, with documented occurrences in both the United States and Canada. As a member of the large and diverse rove beetle family, it likely inhabits forest floor and decaying organic matter habitats typical of the subfamily, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Nitidotachinus scrutator
Nitidotachinus scrutator is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Tachyporinae. It is a small beetle with a documented distribution across eastern North America, from Canada through the northeastern and midwestern United States. Like other members of its genus, it inhabits forest floor environments where it functions as a generalist predator or scavenger. The species was described by Gemminger and Harold in 1868.
Nudobius cephalus
Kephalos Rove-hunter Beetle
A rove beetle in the tribe Xantholinini, distributed across much of North America. The species has been recorded from 23 iNaturalist observations. Members of genus Nudobius are predatory rove beetles associated with decaying wood and fungal habitats.
Nudobius luridipennis
Nudobius luridipennis is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Casey in 1906. It is native to the eastern and southeastern United States, with records spanning from New York to Florida and west to Texas. As a member of the tribe Xantholinini, it belongs to one of the most diverse families of beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
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.
Ochthephilus biimpressus
spiny-legged rove beetle
Ochthephilus biimpressus is a species of spiny-legged rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Mäklin in 1852. It is a small rove beetle with characteristic short elytra that leave most of the abdomen exposed, a defining trait of its family. The species is distributed across western North America from Alaska to California and eastward to Colorado and Montana.
Ochthephilus columbiensis
Ochthephilus columbiensis is a species of spiny-legged rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It was described by Hatch in 1957. The species is distributed across western North America, including the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountains, and adjacent Canadian provinces.
Ochthephilus planus
Ochthephilus planus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxytelinae. This small beetle is distributed across northern North America, with records from Canada (including Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland, Ontario, Quebec, and Yukon) and the United States (including Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming), as well as the Russian Far East. The species was first described by J.L. LeConte in 1861 based on specimens from North America. Like other members of the Oxytelinae, it is associated with moist habitats and organic matter decomposition.
Ocypus aeneocephalus
Ocypus aeneocephalus is a species of large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is native to Europe and has been introduced to western North America, including British Columbia, Canada, and Washington State, USA. The species is part of the hyperdiverse rove beetle genus Ocypus, which contains numerous species with varied ecological roles.
Ocypus nitens
Ocypus nitens is a large, adventive rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Staphylininae, native to Central Europe and now established in eastern North America. First reported from the Americas in 1944, it remained restricted to New England for decades before rapidly expanding its range after 2000. The species was first detected in Canada in 2016 through citizen science contributions to BugGuide, representing the first Canadian record. It is among the largest and most conspicuous rove beetles in its introduced range, making it relatively easy to detect.
Ocypus olens
Devil's Coach-horse Beetle, Devil's Coach-horse, Devil's Footman, Devil's Steed
Ocypus olens, commonly known as the Devil's Coach-horse Beetle, is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. Originally described as Staphylinus olens in 1764, this species has a long history of association with folklore and superstition across Europe, particularly in Ireland where it was known as 'Dar Daol' (the Devil's beetle). The beetle is a formidable predator with an intimidating defensive posture—raising its curled abdomen like a scorpion when threatened. In North America, it has been introduced to California where field studies suggest it may serve as a biological control agent for the brown garden snail (Helix aspersa), an agricultural pest.
Ocyusa
Ocyusa is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the tribe Oxypodini. It was described by Kraatz in 1856. The genus contains at least two described species: Ocyusa apicalis and Ocyusa argus. Species are recorded from Europe and North America.
Oligota
Oligota is a genus of small rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. Multiple species have been documented as predators of mites, particularly spider mites (Tetranychus urticae), and are studied for their potential use in biological control. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with species recorded across North America, Europe, and Asia. Individual species show specialized predatory behaviors and habitat associations ranging from decaying organic matter to agricultural crop environments.
Oligota chrysopyga
Oligota chrysopyga is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Aleocharinae, characterized by its compact body and metallic coloration. The species has been introduced to multiple regions outside its native range, including Europe, Canada, and the United States. Its wide distribution across tropical and subtropical zones suggests human-mediated dispersal, though specific ecological impacts remain poorly documented.
Olisthaerus
Olisthaerus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, classified in the subfamily Olisthaerinae. The genus was established by Dejean in 1833 and includes at least two recognized species: O. megacephalus and O. substriatus. These beetles are found in Europe and North America. The genus is characterized by distinct morphological features that set it apart from other staphylinid genera.
Olisthaerus substriatus
Striped Bark Rove Beetle
Olisthaerus substriatus is a small rove beetle in the subfamily Olisthaerinae, one of the few rove beetle lineages adapted to life under bark. It has a Holarctic distribution spanning northern North America and Eurasia. The species is associated with dead and decaying wood, where it inhabits the space beneath bark on standing or fallen trees. Its common name refers to the longitudinal striations on the elytra.
Olophrum
Olophrum is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Omaliinae) distributed across Eurasia and North America. The genus contains at least seven recognized North American species, including four Holarctic species (O. latum, O. boreale, O. consimile, O. rotundicolle), one eastern North American endemic (O. obtectum), and two western North American species (O. cascadense, O. idahoense). Species-level taxonomy has been revised with lectotype designations and synonymies established.
Olophrum consimile
Olophrum consimile is a Holarctic rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Omaliinae) found across northern North America and Eurasia. First described by Gyllenhal in 1810, this species has accumulated multiple junior synonyms due to morphological variability. The species is part of a genus of small, ground-dwelling beetles associated with moist forest habitats.
Olophrum latum
Olophrum latum is a holarctic rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Omaliinae) first described by Mäklin in 1853. It is one of seven North American species in the genus Olophrum, distinguished from congeners by specific morphological features detailed in taxonomic revisions. The species was previously known under the synonym O. brevicolle Bernhauer. It occurs across northern regions of North America and Eurasia.
Olophrum obtectum
Olophrum obtectum is a rove beetle in the subfamily Omaliinae, endemic to eastern North America. It was formally revised and recognized as distinct from holarctic congeners in a 1983 taxonomic treatment. The species is one of seven North American Olophrum species and is distinguished by its restricted eastern distribution.
Omalium
Omalium is a genus of ocellate rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Omaliinae) containing at least 70 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. The genus has been subject to extensive taxonomic revision, with species organized into morphologically-based species groups including the Acutangulum, Amplissimum, Caesum, Oxyacanthae, and Rivulare groups. Recent revisions have described numerous new species from the Himalayan region, China, Siberia, and the Far East.
Omalium rivulare
Omalium rivulare is a Holarctic ocellate rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. Originally described as Staphylinus rivularis by Paykull in 1789, it serves as the type species for the Rivulare species group within the genus Omalium. The species has been recorded across Europe, northern Asia, and has been introduced to North America. Synonymy with O. kabakovi was established in 2025.
Omalonomus relictus
Omalonomus relictus is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, described by Campbell and Peck in 1990. The species has been recorded from western Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan) and the northwestern United States (Utah, Washington). As a member of the subfamily Omaliinae, it belongs to a group of rove beetles often associated with forest floor habitats and decaying organic matter.
Oropodes
Oropodes is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, characterized by reduced elytra and compact body form typical of the tribe Trichonychini. Members are among the smallest staphylinid beetles, with most species measuring under 2 mm. The genus was established by Casey in 1893 and is currently placed within the subtribe Trichonychina. These beetles inhabit forest litter and soil microhabitats where they function as microbivores or predators on small arthropods.
Oropus
Oropus is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, tribe Trogastrini. It was described by Casey in 1886. Members of this genus are small, myrmecophilous beetles typically associated with ant colonies. The genus is part of the diverse Pselaphinae radiation, which contains thousands of species specialized for life in leaf litter, soil, and ant nests.
Oropus striatus
ant-loving beetle
Oropus striatus is a small rove beetle in the family Staphylidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1874. It is known from western North America, with records from British Columbia, California, Oregon, and Washington. Like other members of the Pselaphinae, it is associated with ant colonies.
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.
Osorius planifrons
unmargined rove beetle
Osorius planifrons is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Osoriinae. It belongs to a group commonly referred to as unmargined rove beetles. The species has been recorded in parts of North and Central America, with documented occurrences in the southeastern and southwestern United States and Mexico. Specific ecological and behavioral details remain limited in published sources.
Othius
A genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Othiini, characterized by elongate bodies and reduced elytra typical of the family. The genus currently includes approximately 136 species and subspecies distributed across the Palaearctic region. Taxonomic revisions have revealed distinct Western and Eastern Palaearctic species groups, separated by the Caspian Sea, with high species diversity in the Himalayas, Yunnan, Sichuan, and Taiwan.
Oxybleptes davisi
A small rove beetle in the tribe Xantholinini, first recorded in Minnesota in 2014, extending its known range considerably westward from previous records in the eastern United States. The species was described by Notman in 1924.
Oxypoda acuminata
Oxypoda acuminata is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae. It is a small, inconspicuous beetle with a Palearctic distribution, recorded across much of Europe and extending into Russia and parts of the Caucasus. The species is one of many in the large genus Oxypoda, which contains over 300 described species. Like other aleocharine rove beetles, it is likely associated with decaying organic matter and soil habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Oxypoda chantali
Oxypoda chantali is a species of rove beetle described from Canada and Alaska in 2006. It belongs to the large genus Oxypoda within the subfamily Aleocharinae. The species was established as part of a comprehensive revision that reorganized the North American Oxypoda fauna into 14 species groups. Like other members of its genus, it is a small-bodied staphylinid beetle with reduced elytra.
Oxypoda opaca
Oxypoda opaca is a small rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae. Native to the Palearctic region, it has been introduced to North America where it is now established in Canada and the United States. Like other aleocharines, it is a member of the diverse rove beetle fauna associated with various decaying organic matter habitats.
Oxyporinae
Cross-toothed Rove Beetles
Oxyporinae is a subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing a single genus, Oxyporus, with approximately 132 species distributed worldwide. These beetles are obligate fungivores with a life cycle tightly linked to fungi. They are notable for their distinctive mandibular and mouthpart morphology.
Oxyporus elegans
Oxyporus elegans is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by J.L. LeConte in 1877. It belongs to the subfamily Oxyporinae, a group characterized by their association with fungal habitats. The species is known from limited distribution records in the southern United States.
Oxyporus femoralis
Oxyporus femoralis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Gravenhorst in 1802. The species belongs to the subfamily Oxyporinae, a group of fungi-associated beetles. It has been recorded across eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States.
Oxyporus kiteleyi
Oxyporus kiteleyi is a rove beetle in the subfamily Oxyporinae, described by Campbell in 1978. The species is known from a limited number of records in eastern North America, spanning from Georgia in the southern United States to Quebec and New Brunswick in Canada. Like other members of Oxyporus, it is likely associated with fungal fruiting bodies, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented. The species is rarely encountered, with only three observations recorded on iNaturalist as of the available data.
Oxyporus lateralis
Oxyporus lateralis is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described by Gravenhorst in 1802. The species is currently treated as a synonym of Pseudoxyporus lateralis, reflecting taxonomic revisions within the Oxyporinae subfamily. It is distributed across eastern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of Oxyporinae, it is associated with fungal habitats, particularly mushrooms.