Staphylinidae

COLEOPTERA > POLYPHAGA > STAPHYLINOIDEA > Staphylinidae

Without any unnecessary preamble this page is simply a continuation of the previous list starting with a couple of species from the Paederinae subfamily and then Staphylininae for all the remaining rove beetles that I've currently managed to photograph.

Paederus littoralis | Paederinae > Paderini

Wetland species, 8-9mm, elongate, broad-bodied, black with orange-red pronotum and abdominal segments 3-6. Distinguished from other Paederus by near quadrate pronotum and elytra, and black mandibles.

Paederus riparius | Paederinae > Paderini        

Very similar to Paederus littoralis, but with narrower head and pronotum, more elongate elytra and yellow mandibles.

Atrecus affinis | Staphylininae > Othiini

The only member of the genus to occur in Britain. Unfortunately, not that clear in this particular photo, but the relatively large, straight-sided mandibles, that when held at rest form a triangle in front of the head, are characteristic of the species. Common under loose coniferous bark.

Othius cf.subuliformis | Staphylininae >  Othiini

Initially identified as Othius sp. Further research suggested Othius subuliformis based on small size and general colouration but, with five similar species in the genus, identity is best left as 'likely'.

Cafius xantholoma | Staphylininae > Staphylinini

A relatively common coastal species known as the Seaweed Rove Beetle which can often be found in the vicinity of decaying seaweed on sandy and gravel beaches where it preys and scavenges on various small seashore invertebrates.

Ontholestes murinus | Staphylininae > Staphylinini

Distinctive due to the brown and silvery pubescence, coupled with sharp anterior pronotal angles and black legs, which distinguishes the species from Ontholestes tessellatus.

Philonthus cognatus | Staphylininae > Staphylinini

A difficult genus with 46 species, distinguished from Quedius by the row of punctures on the pronotum that extend on to the back half whereas in Quedius they're confined to the front. A combination of features, including the size, around 10mm, shiny black head and pronotum, pronotal punctures and, importantly, bicoloured (underside pale) first antennal segment confirms the species.

Philonthus splendens | Staphylininae > Staphylinini

Active in dung, on average the largest Philonthus species at 10-16mm.

Quedius levicollis | Staphylininae > Staphylinini

Competing with Philonthus for the greatest number of species, Quedius has 45 within five subgenus groups. I wasn't able to get very far with this one, but fortunately it was identified from a series of photos showing both the "punctate scutellum and infraorbital punctures" (between the eyes).

Quedius cf.mesomelinus | Staphylininae > Staphylinini

Subgenus Microsaurus, scutellum lacking punctures. Quedius mesomelinus is the most common of the species with dark elytra, also one of the largest at 7-11mm, described as completely black or very dark reddish-brown with slightly paler legs and antennae.

Xantholinus cf.linearis | Staphylininae > Xantholinini

Confirmed as Xantholinus sp., and subsequently upgraded to the most likely species by an expert on the FB Beetles group from looking at a series of photos where "the reflection on the pronotum looks slightly diffuse as though it was microsculptured".

Xantholinus cf.longiventris | Staphylininae > Xantholinini

Very similar to the previous species and the most likely of the two to be found locally, but although it was deemed 'probable' both forms need to be microscopically examined if positive identification is required.

Stenus cf.ossium | Steninae

Confirmed as Stenus sp., but subsequently looked at by a well-known coleopterist who thought that it was very likely Stenus ossium. But, with 75 species in the genus, confirmed id can only be achieved from close examination.

Second page added, April 26 (v.1)