Rove Beetle

Natural Habitat

Highly diverse, found in almost all terrestrial and some aquatic habitats including leaf litter, under bark, fungi, carrion, dung, soil, and even intertidal zones. Often found indoors attracted to moisture or other insects.

Diet & Feeding

Mostly predatory, feeding on other small invertebrates like mites, springtails, and other insect larvae. Some species are scavengers (on carrion or fungi), some are herbivores, and a few are parasites.

Behavior Patterns

Many are fast-moving, nocturnal, and secretive. When disturbed, they often raise their abdomens like scorpions, although they do not sting. The larvae are also usually predatory. They are known for their short elytra (wing covers) which leave most of the abdomen exposed.

Risks & Benefits

Generally beneficial as predators of agricultural pests and decomposers. Some species can excrete pederin, a potent toxin that can cause skin irritation (dermatitis linearis) if the beetle is crushed against the skin, but this is rare. They pose very little direct risk to humans otherwise and are important members of many ecosystems.

Identified on: 9/20/2025