Rove beetle (likely a Paederus-type rove beetle)

Moist leaf litter, damp soil, stream margins, compost, and vegetation; sometimes attracted indoors by lights.

Predatory, feeding on small insects, mites, and other soft-bodied arthropods; larvae are also predators.

The short wing covers leave much of the abdomen exposed, a hallmark of rove beetles. Adults are active hunters, often nocturnal, and may raise the abdomen when disturbed.

Most are harmless and beneficial predators that suppress pest insects. Some Paederus species release pederin, a potent blistering toxin when crushed against skin; wash exposed skin promptly and avoid handling.