Rove-beetles
Guides
Platyprosopus
Platyprosopus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) comprising the monotypic tribe Platyprosopini. Species exhibit a nearly worldwide distribution and are consistently associated with humid environments near rivers. The genus is notable for possessing a distinctive set of three abdominal openings at the base of tergites and sternites, associated with a reinforced muscular system and presumed glandular cells, though the biological function of these structures remains unknown.
Platystethus
spiny-legged rove beetles
Platystethus is a genus of spiny-legged rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxytelinae. The genus contains approximately six described species distributed across multiple continents. At least one species, P. arenarius, has been documented exhibiting sub-social behavior. Members of this genus are characterized by modified hind legs with spiny projections.
Pselaphinae
Ant-loving Beetles, Short-winged Mould Beetles
Pselaphinae is a species-rich subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing approximately 9,000 to 10,000 described species. They are among the most diverse and abundant beetles in tropical and temperate forest leaf litter worldwide. The group was historically treated as a separate family Pselaphidae but was reclassified into Staphylinidae by Newton and Thayer (1995) based on shared morphological characters with the Omaliine group. Many species exhibit myrmecophilous associations with ants, and some groups such as Clavigeritae are obligate inquilines with extreme morphological specializations.
Pselaphitae
Pselaphitae is a supertribe of minute rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) characterized by compact, often hump-backed bodies with shortened elytra. The group comprises nine tribes and at least thirteen described genera, including Pselaphus, Tmesiphorus, and Tyrus. Members are primarily distributed in the Northern Hemisphere, with notable radiations in New Zealand where several endemic genera have been described. The supertribe was established by Latreille in 1802 and remains an active subject of taxonomic revision.
Pselaphomimus
Pselaphomimus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Osoriinae. It was established by Bruch in 1942 and belongs to the tribe Thoracophorini. The genus is rarely encountered in collections and biological literature, with minimal published information on its species composition and natural history.
Pselaphus
ant-loving beetles
Pselaphus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pselaphinae, containing at least 20 described species. These beetles are commonly referred to as "ant-loving beetles" due to their well-documented associations with ants. Members of this genus exhibit highly compact thoracic skeletal structures with reduced sutures and simplified flight musculature, indicating flightlessness in at least some species. The genus has been subject to detailed anatomical study, particularly regarding thoracic morphology and adaptations to myrmecophilous lifestyles.
Pseudactium
Pseudactium is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae. The genus was established by Casey in 1908 and contains approximately 12 described species. Members belong to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small beetles often associated with ants and termites.
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.
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.
Pseudopsinae
Pseudopsinae is a small subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing four extant genera—Pseudopsis, Nanobius, Asemobius, and Zalobius—with approximately 55 species. The subfamily is distinguished by longitudinal carinae on the head, pronotum, and elytra, and a fine stridulatory file on the genital segment. Fossil records extend to the Lower Cretaceous (~125 Ma), indicating an ancient origin. Members inhabit moist microhabitats including forest leaf litter, fungi, and riparian moss.
Pycnoplectus
Pycnoplectus is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae. The genus comprises approximately 11 described species, first established by Casey in 1897. These beetles are classified within the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small, often cryptic beetles frequently associated with ant colonies. Most species were described in the late 19th and mid-20th centuries, with several originally placed in other genera before transfer to Pycnoplectus.
Quediina
Quediina is a mega-diverse subtribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Staphylinini) comprising hundreds of species globally, with exceptional species richness in north and south temperate regions. The subtribe has historically been defined by convention rather than clear synapomorphies, and recent phylogenetic studies have demonstrated polyphyly, leading to major taxonomic revisions. Formerly quediine genera from the Afrotropical region have been reassigned to unrelated lineages within Staphylinini. The subtribe includes economically important genera such as Quedius and Bolitogyrus.
Renardia
unmargined rove beetles
Renardia is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, placed in the subfamily Osoriinae. The genus is characterized by the absence of marginal ridges on the elytra, a trait that distinguishes it from related genera. Only two species are currently recognized: Renardia canadensis and Renardia nigrella. These beetles are small, elongated, and belong to a group commonly found in soil and leaf litter habitats.
Rhexius
ant-loving beetles
Rhexius is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, commonly known as ant-loving beetles. The genus contains six described species distributed in North America. Members are myrmecophilous, living in association with ant colonies. The genus was established by LeConte in 1849.
Rhinoscepsis
Rhinoscepsis is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, established by John Lawrence LeConte in 1878. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Metopiasini within the diverse ant-loving beetle group. The genus name derives from Greek roots suggesting a 'snout-like' or 'nose-bearing' appearance, likely referring to distinctive cephalic structures. As with many Pselaphinae, these beetles are small, cryptic, and poorly documented in public sources.
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.
Scaphidiinae
Shining Fungus Beetles
Scaphidiinae is a subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) commonly known as shining fungus beetles. The subfamily comprises over 2000 described species across 46 genera, with greatest diversity concentrated in tropical and subtropical forests. Members are strongly associated with fungi and slime molds, on which they feed and complete their development. The Neotropical region remains particularly understudied, with recent work revealing substantially higher diversity than previously recorded.
Scaphisomatini
Scaphisomatini is a tribe of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae, subfamily Scaphidiinae) established by Casey in 1893. Members of this tribe are characterized by their association with fungal habitats, particularly as inhabitants of sporocarps (fruiting bodies) of basidiomycete fungi. The tribe comprises numerous genera distributed across multiple biogeographic regions. These beetles represent a specialized lineage within the Scaphidiinae, having evolved to exploit microhabitats within decaying fungal material.
Sceptobiini
Sceptobiini is a small tribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) comprising two genera and five described species. All species are obligate myrmecophiles, living symbiotically within ant nests. The tribe exhibits distinct behavioral divergence between its two clades: Dinardilla species actively interact with host ants, while Sceptobius species occupy more peripheral positions in nests.
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.
Scydmaeninae
Ant-like Stone Beetles, Scydmaenines
Scydmaeninae is a subfamily of minute rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) containing approximately 4,500 species in about 80 genera. Formerly treated as a distinct family, they were reclassified as a subfamily in 2009. Members are commonly known as ant-like stone beetles due to their constricted body shape resembling ants. The subfamily has a worldwide distribution and is divided into four extant supertribes: Cephenniitae, Mastigitae, Scydmaenitae, and the extinct fossil supertribe Hapsomelitae.
Scydmaenus
ant-like stone beetles
Scydmaenus is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Scydmaeninae, commonly called ant-like stone beetles. The genus has nearly cosmopolitan distribution with species documented across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and other regions. Members are small, slow-moving beetles typically found in soil and leaf litter habitats. Some species have been documented as predators of soft-bodied arthropods, though earlier literature suggested specialization on armored mites.
Silusa
Silusa is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Homalotini) established by Erichson in 1837. The genus occurs in the Nearctic and Palearctic regions, with species documented in Europe and North America. Nearctic species have been subject to recent taxonomic revision, which expanded known distributions and clarified species boundaries through examination of external and genital morphology.
Speleobamini
Speleobamini is a tribe of rove beetles in the subfamily Pselaphinae, established by Park in 1951. Members of this tribe are small, highly specialized beetles associated with subterranean and cave environments. The tribe is part of the diverse Pselaphinae radiation, which contains numerous microhabitat specialists. Speleobamini represents one of several lineages within Pselaphinae that have adapted to dark, moist habitats.
Staphylinidae
Rove beetles
Staphylinidae, the rove beetles, is the largest extant family of beetles with approximately 63,000 described species across thousands of genera. Members are distinguished by abbreviated elytra that expose most of the abdomen, giving them a characteristic elongated, flexible appearance. The family is ancient, with fossil records dating to the Triassic period approximately 200 million years ago. Ecological roles within the family are diverse, encompassing predation, fungivory, myrmecophily, and saprophagy.
Staphylinina
Staphylinina is a subtribe of rove beetles within the tribe Staphylinini, family Staphylinidae. Members are typically medium to large-sized rove beetles with elongated bodies and relatively short elytra that leave much of the abdomen exposed. The subtribe includes genera such as Platydracus, Staphylinus, Ocypus, Agelosus, and Naddia. Several species have been documented exhibiting specialized behaviors including ant-mimicry and termitophily. The group has a cosmopolitan distribution with significant diversity in the Palaearctic and Oriental regions.
Staphylinini
Staphylinini is a tribe of large rove beetles within the family Staphylinidae. The tribe contains at least 20 genera and approximately 120 described species. Members are distributed across multiple biogeographic regions, with documented occurrences in the Palaearctic, Neotropical, and Oriental regions. Some species exhibit specialized ecological associations, including termitophily.
Staphylinoidea
Rove, Ant-like stone, and Carrion Beetles
Staphylinoidea is a large and diverse superfamily of beetles with worldwide distribution, encompassing approximately 58,000 described species across six families. Adults range from minute (Ptiliidae at 0.3 mm, the smallest non-parasitic insects) to moderately large (Staphylinidae up to 50 mm, Silphidae up to 45 mm). The superfamily is characterized by distinctive wing and abdominal morphology: hind wings lack accessory posterior ridges, medial loops, wedge cells, and apical hinges; the 8th abdominal segment is not fully invaginated within the 7th; and the head typically lacks a coronal suture. Larvae possess 3-segmented maxillary palps with distinct galea and lacinia, well-developed tergites and sternites, and annular or annular-biforous spiracles without epistomal lobes.
Stenichnus
Stenichnus is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Scydmaeninae, characterized by distinctive larval morphology with complex chaetotaxy (setal patterns). The genus is distributed across the Palaearctic region with some Nearctic representatives. Larvae have been studied through shed skins and rearing to adults, revealing significant morphological variation between species that complicates homology assessments.
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.
Stenus
rove beetles, water-gliding rove beetles
Stenus is a genus of semiaquatic rove beetles comprising approximately 3100 described species, making it one of the largest genera in the animal kingdom. These beetles are specialist predators of small arthropods, particularly Collembola. They possess distinctive adaptations including a protrusible adhesive labium for prey capture and pygidial gland secretions that enable rapid water surface locomotion via the Marangoni effect. The genus occurs worldwide across diverse habitats from aquatic margins to terrestrial leaf litter.
Stictolinus
Stictolinus is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, tribe Xantholinini. It was described by Casey in 1906. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles with the characteristic abbreviated elytra of the family. The genus is part of the hyperdiverse rove beetle lineage, one of the largest families of beetles globally.
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.
Subhaida
Subhaida is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Omaliinae. It was described by Hatch in 1957 and is classified within the tribe Coryphiini and subtribe Coryphiina. The genus contains species found in western North America, particularly in the Pacific coastal region. Members of this genus are small to medium-sized beetles associated with forest floor habitats.
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.
Tachyusa
Tachyusa is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, tribe Tachyusini. The genus was established by Erichson in 1837 and contains more than 20 described species. Members of this genus are small beetles with the characteristic short elytra of rove beetles. The genus is recorded from parts of northern Europe.
Tarphiota
Tarphiota is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) described by Casey in 1893. The genus comprises at least three described species. Members are specialized for seashore habitats where they occur in association with decaying seaweed. The genus belongs to the tribe Athetini within the subfamily Aleocharinae.
Tasgius
large rove beetles
Tasgius is a genus of large rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, containing at least 20 described species. Members of this genus are notable for their relatively large size compared to most rove beetles. At least one species, T. winkleri, has been introduced to North America from Europe and has established populations across multiple U.S. states and Canadian provinces. The genus is characterized by morphological features including dilated front tarsi in males.
Thecturota
Thecturota is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, and tribe Homalotini. The genus was established by Casey in 1893. Species are recorded from Europe and North America, with specific documentation from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The genus includes at least two described species: Thecturota capito Casey, 1893 (the type species) and Thecturota antillarum Pace, 1987.
Thoracophorini
unmargined rove beetles
Thoracophorini is a tribe of small rove beetles within the subfamily Osoriinae, characterized by the absence of pronotal margins. The tribe contains at least three genera—Clavilispinus, Nacaeus, and Thoracophorus—with approximately six described species. These beetles belong to the diverse family Staphylinidae, one of the largest beetle families.
Thoracophorus
Thoracophorus is a genus of unmargined rove beetles in the subfamily Osoriinae (Staphylinidae). The genus comprises more than 20 described species distributed across the Neotropical region and beyond. Members are primarily associated with arboreal habitats, particularly tree canopies and trunks.
Thyreocephalus
Thyreocephalus is a genus of rove beetles (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Xantholinini) established by Guérin-Méneville in 1844. The genus exhibits substantial geographic diversity, with 32 recognized species in sub-Saharan Africa and nine species recorded from Mexico—the most species-rich country for this genus in the Americas. Recent taxonomic revisions have clarified species boundaries, transferred multiple species from related genera (Eulissus, Xantholinus), and established the 'puncticeps' species group for five closely related Mexican species. A new genus, Afrus, was erected to accommodate species formerly placed in Thyreocephalus.
Trichiusa
Trichiusa is a genus of small rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) comprising approximately 15 described species distributed across North America and Europe. The genus was revised taxonomically in 2015, with several species synonymized under Trichiusa pilosa. Canadian records document presence across multiple provinces and territories from Nova Scotia to Yukon Territory.
Trichonychina
Trichonychina is a subtribe of minute rove beetles within the subfamily Pselaphinae, family Staphylinidae. Members of this subtribe are characterized by their small body size and are part of the diverse Euplectitae supertribe. The subtribe was established by Reitter in 1882 and contains multiple genera of these cryptic beetles. Pselaphinae beetles are generally associated with leaf litter and soil habitats, though specific ecological data for Trichonychina as a whole is limited.
Trichophya
Trichophya is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) established by Mannerheim in 1830. It constitutes the sole genus of the monotypic subfamily Trichophyinae. The genus contains at least two described species, Trichophya andrewesi and Trichophya antennalis, with records from Europe and North America.
Trichophyinae
Trichophyinae is a monotypic subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing only the genus Trichophya. Established by Thomson in 1858, this subfamily represents one of the most species-poor lineages within the hyperdiverse rove beetle family. The genus Trichophya contains multiple described species, though the exact number remains uncertain due to taxonomic revisions. These beetles are rarely encountered and poorly represented in collections.
Trichopseniini
Trichopseniini is a tribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae) established in 1883. Members of this tribe are small, typically myrmecophilous beetles associated with ant colonies. The tribe is poorly known, with few observations and limited published biological information. Most documented species occur in the Neotropical region.
Trigonurinae
Trigonurinae is a monogeneric subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) containing only the genus Trigonurus. The group has a Holarctic distribution with approximately nine described species. Most species occur in North America (seven species), with two in the western Palaearctic and two in China. The subfamily was established by Reiche in 1866.
Trimiina
Trimiina is a subtribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) established by Brendel & Wickham in 1890. Members of this subtribe belong to the tribe Trichonychini within the diverse subfamily Pselaphinae, a group characterized by small body size and often complex morphology associated with life in leaf litter and soil habitats. The subtribe is rarely referenced in general literature and is primarily documented in taxonomic catalogs.
Trimiomelba
Trimiomelba is a genus of myrmecophilous (ant-loving) rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. The genus was established by Casey in 1897 and contains a single described species, T. dubia. These beetles belong to the tribe Trichonychini, a diverse group of small beetles often associated with ant colonies.