Hairy Rove Beetle
Creophilus maxillosus
This record describes Creophilus maxillosus (species). Recorded family: Staphylinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
15 to 22 mm. The large size and stout build, coupled with the distinctive pattern of creamy grey hairs on an otherwise dark body will identify this beetle. The shiny thorax is free from hairs. It has a habit of curling up when it feels threatened, and may also raise its tail 'Scorpion like'. In hot weather they may be found on dung pasture, either flying above the ground or active on dung, feeding on other insects, in this situation adults move very quickly and are difficult to observe. They are also found among decaying vegetation of all types e.g. compost heaps or around large decaying fungi. They are attracted to the smell of decay. Adults are active from early spring to October or November. Adults and larvae are carnivorous and feed on other insects, more especially on dipterous larvae in a variety of habitats. Widespread but not particularly common in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Creophilus maxillosus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creophilus_maxillosus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Staphylinoidea
- Family
- Staphylinidae (Rove Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Staphylininae
- Tribe
- Staphylinini
- Genus
- Creophilus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In hot weather they may be found on dung pasture, either flying above the ground or active on dung, feeding on other insects, in this situation adults move very quickly and are difficult to observe. They are also found among decaying vegetation of all types e.g. compost heaps or around large decaying fungi. They are attracted to the smell of decay.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are active from early spring to October or November.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults and larvae are carnivorous and feed on other insects, more especially on dipterous larvae in a variety of habitats.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but not particularly common in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Creophilus maxillosus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Hairy Rove Beetle (5)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hairy Rove Beetle
What is Hairy Rove Beetle?
Hairy Rove Beetle (Creophilus maxillosus) is a species in the family Staphylinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hairy Rove Beetle?
and stout build, coupled with the distinctive pattern of creamy grey hairs on an otherwise dark body will identify this beetle. The shiny thorax is free from hairs. It has a habit of curling up when it feels threatened, and may also raise its tail 'Scorpion like'.
Where is Hairy Rove Beetle found?
Habitat: In hot weather they may be found on dung pasture, either flying above the ground or active on dung, feeding on other insects, in this situation adults move very quickly and are difficult to observe. They are also found among decaying vegetation of all types e.g. compost heaps or around large decaying fungi. They are attracted to the smell of decay.
When is Hairy Rove Beetle active?
Hairy Rove Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults are active from early spring to October or November..
What is the life cycle of a Hairy Rove Beetle?
Adults and larvae are carnivorous and feed on other insects, more especially on dipterous larvae in a variety of habitats.