Staphylinidae
Guides
Meronera
Meronera is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Sharp in 1887. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America and Europe. Members of this genus belong to the subfamily Aleocharinae, one of the largest groups within rove beetles.
Microdonia
Microdonia is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1893. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in North America. Members belong to the tribe Lomechusini within the subfamily Aleocharinae, a group known for myrmecophilous (ant-associated) associations. The genus remains poorly known, with limited ecological and behavioral documentation.
Microdonia laticollis
Microdonia laticollis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the tribe Lomechusini. Described by Brues in 1902, this species belongs to a genus of myrmecophilous beetles associated with ant colonies. The specific epithet 'laticollis' refers to the broad pronotum characteristic of this species. Like other members of the subtribe Myrmedoniina, it is adapted to life within ant nests.
Microedus
Microedus is a genus of small rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae, tribe Anthophagini. The genus was historically known only from North America but was expanded to the Palaearctic Region following taxonomic revision in 2022, which synonymized two Palaearctic genera (Altaiodromicus and Liophilydrodes) with Microedus. The genus currently contains 16 species: seven in the Nearctic Region and nine in the Palaearctic Region. Members of this genus belong to the Hygrogeus group of omaliine rove beetles.
Microedus austinianus
Nearctic rove beetle and type species of the genus Microedus. First illustration of mouthparts and aedeagus provided in 2022 taxonomic revision. One of seven Nearctic species in a genus now recognized as transcontinental.
Microedus fenderi
Microedus fenderi is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Omaliinae. It was described by Hatch in 1957 and is known from limited collection records in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Like other members of the Omaliinae, it is a small beetle associated with forest floor habitats. Very little is known about its biology or ecology due to its rarity and the difficulty of sampling small staphylinid beetles.
Microlia
Microlia is a small genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Hoplandriini) comprising approximately twelve species. The genus has a disjunct distribution across Australasian and New World regions, with recent records from Brazil representing the first South American occurrences. Members of this genus are obligate pollen-feeders, with multiple species documented in association with flowers of Cucurbitaceae, Solanaceae, Asteraceae, and Monimiaceae.
Micropeplinae
Micropeplinae is a small subfamily of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) characterized by 9-segmented antennae with single-segmented clubs and a tarsal formula of 4-4-4 (appearing as 3-3-3). The group comprises approximately six extant genera worldwide, including Micropeplus, Kalissus, Cerapeplus, Peplomicrus, and Arrhenopeplus, plus the extinct †Protopeplus from Burmese amber. Species are primarily associated with moist microhabitats and feed on mold spores and fungal hyphae.
Micropeplus laticollis
Large-collared Marsh Rove Beetle
Micropeplus laticollis is a species of rove beetle in the subfamily Micropeplinae, characterized by its distinctive broad pronotum that gives rise to both its specific epithet ('laticollis' = broad-necked) and common name. The species occurs across northern North America from Alaska and Yukon through Canada to the northern United States. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with marshy or wetland habitats. The subfamily Micropeplinae is a small, specialized group within the megadiverse family Staphylinidae.
Micropeplus neotomae
Micropeplus neotomae is a species of rove beetle in the subfamily Micropeplinae, described by Campbell in 1968. The species epithet 'neotomae' suggests an association with the rodent genus Neotoma (woodrats/packrats). It is known from California and Oregon in the western United States. As a member of the Staphylinidae, it possesses the characteristic short elytra that expose most of the abdomen.
Microscydmus
Microscydmus is a genus of minute rove beetles in the subfamily Scydmaeninae, characterized by their small size and reduced elytra typical of the family Staphylinidae. The genus was established by Saulcy & Croissandeau in 1893 and contains species distributed across Europe, Australia, and North America. Taxonomic revisions have transferred some previously assigned species to other genera, such as Microscydmus trianguliceps to Afroeudesis. Members of this genus belong to the tribe Stenichnini within the ant-like stone beetle subfamily.
Mocyta
Mocyta is a genus of small rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Athetini. The genus comprises 26 known Palearctic species, with five confirmed in Ukraine and additional species documented across Europe and North America. Species identification is complicated by significant individual variability in size, coloration, and spermatheca morphology. The genus has been used in ecological monitoring and biogeographic studies, particularly in forest ecosystems.
Mocyta sphagnorum
Mocyta sphagnorum is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described in 2015 from Canadian material. The species is associated with Sphagnum moss habitats, as indicated by its specific epithet. It belongs to the large subfamily Aleocharinae, one of the most diverse groups within the rove beetles. The species has been documented from multiple Canadian provinces and Alaska.
Morius
Morius is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the rove beetle family Staphylinidae, established by Casey in 1893. The genus contains a single described species, Morius occidens. As members of the subfamily Pselaphinae, these beetles are morphologically specialized and ecologically associated with ants.
Moriuss occidens
Moriuss occidens is a species of ant-loving beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Pselaphinae. It belongs to the tribe Trichonychini and is one of very few species in the genus Moriuss. The species was described by Casey in 1893 and is known from California. Pselaphine beetles are generally small, cryptic, and associated with leaf litter and soil habitats.
Myllaena
Myllaena is a genus of rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, and tribe Myllaenini. The genus contains more than 60 described species distributed across the Nearctic and Palearctic regions. A taxonomic revision of Nearctic species recognized 20 species arranged into four species groups: Cuneata, Insomnis, Potawatomi, and Seminole.
Myllaena audax
Myllaena audax is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Thomas Lincoln Casey in 1911. It belongs to the subfamily Aleocharinae, one of the largest subfamilies of rove beetles. The species has been recorded across northern North America, with documented occurrences in Canada from British Columbia to Newfoundland and Labrador, and in the United States from Alaska to the Northeast and across to the Pacific Northwest. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with moist habitats where it functions as a generalist predator or scavenger, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Myllaenini
Myllaenini is a tribe of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) within the subfamily Aleocharinae, established by Ganglbauer in 1895. Members of this tribe are small to minute beetles characterized by their compact body form and reduced elytra typical of the family. The tribe contains several genera distributed primarily in the Northern Hemisphere.
Myrmecocephalus
Myrmecocephalus is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Falagriini. The genus contains approximately 115 recognized species as of 2026 and has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution. Members of this genus are small beetles associated with ant colonies, reflecting their myrmecophilous lifestyle implied by the genus name.
Myrmecocephalus cingulatus
Myrmecocephalus cingulatus is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) in the tribe Falagriini. It occurs across eastern North America from Canada to the southern United States. The genus name 'Myrmecocephalus' (ant-head) refers to the ant-like appearance of these beetles. This species is rarely collected and poorly known biologically.
Myrmecocephalus concinnus
Myrmecocephalus concinnus is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Aleocharinae. It has an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning six continents, including native ranges in Africa, North and South America, Europe, and Asia, with introduced populations in New Zealand and the Galápagos Islands. The species belongs to the tribe Falagriini, a group of small to medium-sized rove beetles often associated with ant colonies or decaying organic matter.
Myrmedonota aidani
Myrmedonota aidani is a rove beetle species in the family Staphylinidae, described in 2008. Like other members of its genus, it is likely associated with ant colonies, though specific ecological details for this species remain undocumented. The species is known from limited collection records in eastern North America.
Myrmedonota lewisi
Myrmedonota lewisi is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Maruyama & Klimaszewski in 2008. The species is known from Indiana, USA. It belongs to the tribe Lomechusini, a group noted for ant-associated behaviors. Members of the genus Myrmedonota are recognized for their ecological relationships with ants, including predation on ants attracted by alarm pheromones.
Myrmobiota
Myrmobiota is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Oxypodini, established by Casey in 1893. Species in this genus are associated with ant colonies, exhibiting myrmecophilous habits. The genus is part of the hyperdiverse subfamily Aleocharinae, one of the largest radiations within beetles.
Myrmoecia
Myrmoecia is a genus of rove beetles (Staphylinidae) in the tribe Lomechusini, subfamily Aleocharinae. The genus contains nine described species distributed across the Holarctic region. Members of this genus are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ants. The genus was established by Mulsant and Rey in 1873.
Myrmoecia lauta
Myrmoecia lauta is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae. The species was described by Casey in 1893. It belongs to the tribe Lomechusini, a group known for myrmecophilous (ant-associated) associations. Records indicate presence in northeastern North America with some questionable reports from China.
Nanobius
Nanobius is a genus of rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) in the subfamily Pseudopsinae, described by Herman in 1977. Members of this genus are small beetles characterized by reduced elytra that leave most of the abdomen exposed, a defining trait of the family. The genus is part of the diverse staphylinid radiation, though specific ecological and biological details remain poorly documented in available literature.
Nearctitychus
Nearctitychus is a genus of ant-loving beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Chandler in 1988. The genus is monotypic, containing a single described species, N. sternalis. As a member of the subfamily Pselaphinae and tribe Tychini, these beetles are myrmecophilous, meaning they live in association with ant colonies.
Nearctitychus sternalis
Nearctitychus sternalis is a small rove beetle (Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) described by Raffray in 1904. It belongs to the tribe Tychini, a group of minute beetles often associated with leaf litter and soil habitats. The species is known from the eastern United States.
Necrodes surinamensis
Red-lined Carrion Beetle
Necrodes surinamensis, commonly known as the red-lined carrion beetle, is a species of carrion beetle in the family Staphylinidae (subfamily Silphinae). It is found throughout North America, with documented records across Canada and the United States. The species is associated with carrion and plays a role in decomposition processes.
Neobeyeria arizonensis
Neobeyeria arizonensis is a species of rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) described in 1987 from Arizona. It belongs to the tribe Crematoxenini within the subfamily Aleocharinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized beetles characterized by their shortened elytra that leave much of the abdomen exposed. As a member of this tribe, it is likely associated with termite colonies, though specific host relationships for this species remain undocumented.
Neobisnius
Neobisnius is a genus of large rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, established by Ganglbauer in 1895. The genus contains at least 39 recognized species in the New World, with additional species known from the Palearctic region. Species-level taxonomy has been extensively revised, with numerous synonymies resolved and subspecies recognized in some taxa.
Neobisnius gratus
Neobisnius gratus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. It belongs to the subfamily Staphylininae and tribe Staphylinini. The species has been recorded from the southwestern United States and Mexico, with additional unconfirmed reports from Argentina. Available information about its biology and ecology remains limited.
Neobisnius jocosus
A rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, recognized as a valid species with *alternans* (Sharp) synonymized under it. Part of a genus revision that established species boundaries through morphological analysis of adult males.
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 beckeri
Ed Becker's Rove Beetle
Neohypnus beckeri is a rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, described by Smetana in 1982. It is known from northeastern North America, with records in Canada and the United States. The species is named in honor of Ed Becker. Like other members of the genus Neohypnus, it belongs to the tribe Xantholinini within the subfamily Staphylininae.
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.
Neohypnus obscurus
Obscure Rove Beetle
Neohypnus obscurus is a rove beetle (family Staphylinidae) in the tribe Xantholinini. It is broadly distributed across North America, with records from most Canadian provinces and many U.S. states. The species was described by Erichson in 1839. Very few biological observations have been published for this species.
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 caudata
ant-loving beetle
Nisaxis caudata is a species of ant-loving beetle (family Staphylinidae) first described by Schaeffer in 1905. It belongs to the subfamily Pselaphinae, a diverse group of small rove beetles often associated with ant colonies. The species has been recorded from North America (Oklahoma and Texas) and Mexico, with additional Central American distribution. Very little detailed biological information is available for this specific species.
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.