Insect ID

An area for archived forum posts
Post Reply
Susanne
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 2:30 pm

Insect ID

Post by Susanne »

Do you know if this is a beetle larva? It was under a plantpot in the greenhouse but I cannot identify from my books. Thanks.
IMG_4826.JPG
IMG_4825.JPG
[/color]
DonSten
Posts: 84
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:50 am

Re: Insect ID

Post by DonSten »

Hi Susanne,

It is a beetle larva, and is one of the rove beetles (Staphylinidae). I can't tell you which one, but I suspect it is not very small, so probably a Quedius or Philonthus species - both genera are very speciose and you can find a number of species in compost heaps, grass cuttings, leaf litter etc.

There are keys to larvae of some beetle families, but this isn't one of them.

Cheers
Don
Susanne
Posts: 34
Joined: Thu Jan 29, 2009 2:30 pm

Re: Insect ID

Post by Susanne »

Thank you. I thought it might be Staphylinide (Philonthus flumineus) - looking at this photo I found on the Internet. However I don't know their habitat so, is it more likely to be Ocypus olens (Devil's Coach-horse) as I find the adult form quite often. Any thoughts ?
rove beetle.jpg
[/color]
DonSten
Posts: 84
Joined: Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:50 am

Re: Insect ID

Post by DonSten »

Hi Susanne,

Just came across this message and realised you never got an answer! Too late now I know.
It was not Ocypus olens - that has a large (when it is fully developed) fierce looking black larva with big 'gnashers'. Incidentally I have been bitten by Ocypus a few times - doesn't hurt but it impresses people when you have an inch long beetle hanging off your finger!

Hope the long wait hasn't put you off posting! Just one that was missed :(

Cheers,
Don

Post Reply