Staphylinidae
Guides
Philonthus schwarzi
Philonthus schwarzi is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Horn in 1884. The species is part of the large genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory rove beetles commonly associated with decaying organic matter and carrion habitats. It occurs across northern and eastern North America, with records from both the United States and Canada.
Philonthus sericinus
Philonthus sericinus is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1884. The genus Philonthus comprises predatory beetles commonly found in decaying organic matter and fungi. This species occurs in eastern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely preys on small invertebrates in decomposing substrates.
Philonthus sessor
Philonthus sessor is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Smetana in 1965. It belongs to the large and diverse genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory species associated with decaying organic matter, fungi, and carrion. The species is known from northeastern North America, with records from Canada and the northeastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it likely functions as a generalist predator in decomposing habitats.
Philonthus thoracicus
Philonthus thoracicus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. As a member of the genus Philonthus, it is part of a large group of predatory beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. The species occurs across much of North America, with documented records from Canada and numerous U.S. states. Like other Philonthus species, it likely inhabits carrion, dung, and other nutrient-rich decaying substrates where it preys on small invertebrates.
Philonthus triangulum
Philonthus triangulum is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Horn in 1884. It belongs to a large genus of predatory beetles commonly found in decomposing organic matter and other habitats where small invertebrate prey is abundant. Like other members of Philonthus, it exhibits the characteristic shortened elytra and exposed abdominal segments typical of rove beetles. The species is recorded from western North America including the Pacific Northwest and southwestern United States, extending into Mexico.
Philonthus umbratilis
Philonthus umbratilis is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, originally described from Europe and now widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. The species has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Like other members of the genus Philonthus, it is a predatory beetle associated with decaying organic matter. The species exhibits the characteristic shortened elytra and flexible abdomen typical of staphylinid beetles.
Philonthus varians
A rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae with a wide native distribution across the Palearctic region and established introduced populations in North America and elsewhere. As a member of the large genus Philonthus, it is one of many similar-looking predatory rove beetles. The species has been documented in carrion habitats alongside other decomposer-associated beetles.
Philonthus vulgatus
Philonthus vulgatus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Casey in 1915. It belongs to the large genus Philonthus, which contains numerous predatory species associated with various habitats including decaying organic matter, fungi, and carrion. The species has a broad distribution across northern North America and parts of Russia. Like other members of its genus, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific ecological details for this species remain poorly documented.
Philotermes
Philotermes is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) containing seven described species. The genus belongs to the tribe Philotermitini within the subfamily Aleocharinae. Species were described between 1857 and 1957, with most described by Kraatz in 1857 and Seevers in 1938 and 1957. The genus is taxonomically accepted and placed within the rove beetle lineage Staphylinoidea.
Philotermes pilosus
Philotermes pilosus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by Kraatz in 1857. It is a member of the tribe Philotermitini, a group associated with termite colonies. The species is recorded from eastern and central North America, with distribution records from multiple states including Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, Tennessee, and Ohio. As with other members of its tribe, it is presumed to be a termitophile, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Phlaeopterus
Phlaeopterus is a genus of omaliine rove beetles containing 22 species distributed across northwestern North America and eastern Asia. The genus exhibits notable evolutionary transitions in body size, with two independent origins of large-bodied adults (exceeding 5 mm) from a small-bodied common ancestor. Large-bodied species are exclusively associated with alpine snowfield habitats, though statistical support for this correlation remains unconfirmed. The genus is monophyletic based on combined molecular and morphological phylogenetic analyses.
Phlaeopterus cavicollis
Phlaeopterus cavicollis is a rove beetle in the subfamily Omaliinae, first described from the Pacific Northwest region. The species is associated with cool, moist montane and coastal environments across western North America. It belongs to a genus characterized by compact body forms and association with forest floor habitats. Available records suggest it occupies a relatively narrow geographic range compared to some congeners.
Phloeocharinae
Phloeocharinae is a subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) characterized by distinctive abdominal tergal combs and procoxal morphology. The group contains five genera and six species in North America, with the genus Phloeocharis dominating the European fauna. Members are primarily saproxylic, inhabiting damp forest environments under bark and in leaf litter. The biology of most species remains poorly known.
Phloeocharis
Phloeocharis is a genus of rove beetles in the subfamily Phloeocharinae. Species in this genus are saproxylic, living under tree bark in association with bark beetle communities. The genus is native to the Palearctic region, with at least one species, Phloeocharis subtilissima, introduced to North America via port cities.
Phloeocharis californica
A small rove beetle endemic to California, described in 1980 from specimens collected in the state. As a member of the subfamily Phloeocharinae, it belongs to a group of staphylinids typically associated with forest floor habitats and decaying organic matter. The species is known from very few records, reflecting either genuine rarity or limited survey effort in its habitat.
Phloeocharis subtilissima
Phloeocharis subtilissima is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Phloeocharinae) native to the Palearctic region. It was first documented in North America in 2004 from Point Pleasant Park, Halifax, Nova Scotia, representing an introduction via maritime shipping. The species belongs to a subfamily associated with decaying plant matter and fungal habitats.
Phloeonomus
Protea Rove Beetles
Phloeonomus is a genus of ocellate rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae, containing approximately eight described species. Species within this genus are obligate saproxylic beetles associated with decaying wood and polypore fungi. The larval stages have been characterized for at least one species (P. punctipennis), showing three instars with morphological differences in antennal, leg, and urogomphal proportions between early and late instars.
Phloeonomus suffusus
Phloeonomus suffusus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae. It is documented from coastal regions of western North America, including British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with decaying plant matter and fungal habitats in moist forest environments. The species was described by Casey in 1893.
Phloeopora
Phloeopora is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae. The genus was established by Erichson in 1837 and contains species distributed across Europe, Australia, and the Americas. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Oxypodini and subtribe Phloeoporina. Documented species include Phloeopora adversa and Phloeopora africana.
Phloeopora gilbertae
Phloeopora gilbertae is a species of rove beetle in the subfamily Aleocharinae, described from Canada in 2016. It belongs to a genus associated with forest floor habitats and decaying organic matter. The species is known from scattered localities across northern North America.
Phloeopora oregona
Phloeopora oregona is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described by Casey in 1906. As a member of the subfamily Aleocharinae and tribe Oxypodini, it belongs to one of the most species-rich lineages of beetles. The specific epithet 'oregona' indicates its association with Oregon, which forms part of its known distribution in western North America.
Phloeostiba
Phloeostiba is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae. The genus was established by C.G. Thomson in 1858. Species are distributed across Eurasia, Australia, and North America, with confirmed records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The genus includes at least two described species: Phloeostiba azorica and Phloeostiba kamijoi.
Phyllodrepa punctiventris
Phyllodrepa punctiventris is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Omaliinae. It is a small beetle with limited published information on its biology. The species has been recorded from eastern North America, with distribution records spanning from Ontario, Canada south to Georgia and west to Oklahoma.
Phymatura
Phymatura is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Homalotini, subtribe Bolitocharina. The genus was erected by Sahlberg in 1876. At least five species are now recognized globally, including P. blanchardi, P. brevicollis, P. japonica, and P. russa. Taxonomic boundaries within the genus remain problematic and require further study, including DNA analysis.
Piestus
flat rove beetles
Piestus is a genus of flat rove beetles established by Gravenhorst in 1806. The genus contains more than 30 described species and is classified within the subfamily Piestinae of the family Staphylinidae. Members of this genus are characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened body form, an adaptation associated with their habitat preferences. The genus is part of the diverse rove beetle fauna, though specific ecological details for most species remain poorly documented.
Piestus extimus
Piestus extimus is a species of flat rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Sharp in 1887. It belongs to the subfamily Piestinae, a group characterized by their dorsoventrally flattened body form. The species has been documented in limited observations, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. As with other members of Piestus, it likely inhabits moist microhabitats in forested or riparian environments.
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.
Placusa tachyporoides
Placusa tachyporoides is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) with a broad native distribution across the Palearctic, ranging from Europe and Russia through East Asia to the Himalayas. The species has been introduced to North America, with established populations in Canada and the northern United States. It belongs to the tribe Placusini, a group of small to minute aleocharines often associated with decaying organic matter and fungal substrates.
Platydracus
Platydracus is a genus of large rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, containing more than 280 described species worldwide. Species were formerly classified in the genus Staphylinus. The genus includes some of the largest rove beetles, with adults reaching 22–35 mm in body length. Members are predatory and associated with decaying organic matter including fungi, carrion, and rotting wood.
Platydracus cinnamopterus
Cinnamon-winged Rove Beetle
Platydracus cinnamopterus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, distributed across eastern and central North America. The species is characterized by its cinnamon-colored wing covers (elytra), which provide the specific epithet 'cinnamopterus' (cinnamon-winged). Like other members of the genus Platydracus, it is a predatory beetle commonly associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
Platydracus femoratus
Platydracus femoratus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, distributed across much of the Americas from the United States through Central America to South America. Like other members of the genus Platydracus, it is a predatory beetle typically found in association with decaying organic matter. The species is part of a diverse genus of large, active rove beetles that occupy various ecological niches including fungal habitats and decomposing substrates.
Platydracus fossator
Red-spotted Rove Beetle
Platydracus fossator is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Red-spotted Rove Beetle. It is one of the larger species in the genus Platydracus, which includes many of North America's most conspicuous rove beetles. The species is widely distributed across eastern and central North America, with records extending from Canada through much of the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle associated with decaying organic matter and decomposing substrates.
Platydracus immaculatus
Immaculate Rove Beetle
Platydracus immaculatus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Immaculate Rove Beetle. The species is native to North America and is among the larger members of the genus Platydracus, which includes many of our most conspicuous rove beetles. Like other staphylinids, it possesses shortened forewings (elytra) that leave most of the abdomen exposed, and is capable of rapid movement when disturbed.
Platydracus maculosus
Brown Rove Beetle
Platydracus maculosus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, commonly known as the Brown Rove Beetle. It is among the largest members of its family in North America, measuring 22-35 millimeters in length. The species is a predatory insect attracted to decomposing organic matter and fungi, where it hunts other insects. It has been documented across eastern North America and is recognized as a significant presence in forensic entomology contexts due to its attraction to carrion.
Platydracus mysticus
Mystic Rove Beetle
Platydracus mysticus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to eastern North America. It is one of the larger species in the genus Platydracus, which includes many of the most conspicuous rove beetles in the region. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle attracted to decomposing organic matter where it hunts other insects. The species occurs across a broad range of eastern and central North America, from Canada through the United States.
Platydracus phoenicurus
Platydracus phoenicurus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. The genus Platydracus contains many of the larger rove beetles, with species typically measuring 20-35 millimeters in length. Like other rove beetles, members of this genus have shortened forewings (elytra) that expose most of the abdomen, and are known for rapid movement and defensive secretion of foul substances. The specific epithet 'phoenicurus' refers to the reddish tail or abdomen, a characteristic coloration feature of this species.
Platydracus pinorum
Platydracus pinorum is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to the southeastern United States. The genus Platydracus includes many of the largest rove beetles in North America. Members of this genus are predatory, with some species attracted to decomposing organic matter where they hunt other insects. The specific epithet 'pinorum' suggests an association with pine habitats, though detailed ecological studies are limited.
Platydracus praelongus
Platydracus praelongus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to North America. The species belongs to a genus containing some of the largest rove beetles, with individuals reaching substantial body lengths compared to most staphylinids. Like other Platydracus species, it is a predatory beetle. The species has been documented across eastern and southern United States, with records extending into Mexico.
Platydracus praetermissus
Platydracus praetermissus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Newton in 2011. As a member of the genus Platydracus, it belongs to a group of relatively large, predatory rove beetles. The specific epithet "praetermissus" (Latin for "overlooked" or "neglected") suggests this species may have been previously confused with or mistaken for related taxa. Like other Platydracus species, it is likely a generalist predator in forest floor and decomposing organic matter habitats.
Platydracus sepulchralis
Platydracus sepulchralis is a species of large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It is a member of the diverse Staphylininae subfamily and belongs to the genus Platydracus, which includes many of the larger rove beetles. The species is native to western North America, with documented occurrences in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Platydracus tomentosus
Platydracus tomentosus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae. It belongs to a genus of predatory beetles frequently associated with decomposing organic matter and fungal habitats. The species has been documented across eastern North America, with records from Canada through the eastern and central United States.
Platydracus undescribed-fla
An undescribed species of large rove beetle in the genus Platydracus, recognized from Florida but not yet formally described in the scientific literature. Members of this genus are among the largest rove beetles in North America, typically characterized by their elongated bodies, shortened forewings (elytra) that leave most of the abdomen exposed, and predatory habits.
Platydracus undescribed-fla-b
Platydracus violaceus
Platydracus violaceus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to North America. The species is among the larger members of the genus Platydracus, which includes predatory beetles commonly associated with decomposing organic matter and fungal habitats. It has been documented across eastern and central North America, with records extending from Canada through the United States. Like other members of its genus, it is likely a generalist predator, though specific ecological studies on this species are limited.
Platydracus zonatus
Platydracus zonatus is a large rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, native to North America. It is among the larger species in the genus Platydracus, which contains many of the most conspicuous and predatory rove beetles. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range in eastern and central North America, with records extending from Canada through the eastern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is a predatory beetle associated with decaying organic matter and fungal habitats.
Platyprosopinae
Platyprosopinae is a subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) established by Moore in 1964. It is currently treated as a synonym within the subfamily Staphylininae, tribe Platyprosopini. The group represents a historical taxonomic concept that has been subsumed into broader staphylinine classification. Members of the tribe Platyprosopini, to which this subfamily referred, are characterized by distinctive morphological features within the diverse rove beetle fauna.
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.
Platystethus americanus
spiny-legged rove beetle
Platystethus americanus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Oxytelinae. It is characterized by spiny legs, a trait common to members of its genus. The species has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Central America, and Oceania, with documented records from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Hawaii, and Japan. New distributional records have been reported, indicating ongoing range documentation.