Rove Beetle larva 10mm

JRsbugs · #1 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 05:22 PM

Here's my larva, taken on 16th march 2009. Maybe 10mm long but I can't be certain, found in leaf litter to which I returned it after taking it's pics.

I got another shot of one which looks similar on 3rd May, head looks a little different but it was more mature and from the same place.

Janet

JRsbugs · #2 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 05:24 PM

One pic only from 3rd May.

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 05:47 PM

The first photo is definately of the Staphylininae sub-family. Again I would suggest Ocypus.

The second picture is more interesting and actually shows a carabid, I would suggest one of the Pterostichini.

JRsbugs · #4 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 05:52 PM

Thank Dogg, now I wish I had persevered and got more pics of the second one but I think it was in a hurry to escape.

Rossco · #5 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 05:54 PM

The second photo is definitely a Pterostichini larva and chances are it's probably one of the common Pterostichus species.

Dogghound · #6 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 05:55 PM

They are quite fast arnt they

, usually you lift up a log and see a quick blurr.

Unfortunately I dont have the literature to take these to species just Genus and family or sub-family.

JRsbugs · #7 (**permalink**) 20-12-2009, 06:00 PM

Fast yes!

Thanks Rossco, I had more than one Carabid beetle but one I think I know the ID of is Pterostichus madidus which was living under some plant trays, but a short distance away still under the tree. I don't remember if I put the pics on here for ID but will take a look, maybe upload them.