Rove Beetle

peterbolson · #1 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 02:09 PM

1cm long, found on compost heap. Looks like Staphilinus caesareus ( in Chinery) but I can't see any obvious golden hairs on the abdomen. I believe there are other similar species. Would any other views help ?

kiff · #2 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 03:29 PM

Hi

it's not a Staphylinus caesareus here's S. caesareus

I think you might have a Philonthus marginatus or some thing else

peterbolson · #3 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 03:58 PM

Hi Keith
According to Chinery, P.marginatus has orange sides to the thorax so I don't think it can be that.

JonSadler · #4 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 05:35 PM

It certainly looks like a Philonthus of some kind. There are not too many with red elytra but my keys are at work. P. rubripennis is one such species but that is pretty much only associated with gravel bars on rivers. If no one offers another name in this PM I'll have a look tomorrow.

All the best

Jon

Paul mabbott · #5 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonSadler

It certainly looks like a Philonthus of some kind. There are not too many with red elytra but my keys are at work. P. rubripennis is one such species but that is pretty much only associated with gravel bars on rivers. If no one offers another name in this PM I'll have a look tomorrow.

All the best

Jon

I too shall have a look tomorrow - and then agree with Jon!

These are a do-able group but not necessarily from photos.

peterbolson · #6 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 07:50 PM

Thanks Jon & Paul. I've still got it and could look at it more closely with the microscope if you let me know what to look for.
Peter

JRsbugs · #7 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 08:09 PM

Looks a lot like Othius punctulatus.

Janet

peterbolson · #8 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 10:28 PM

Many thanks Janet. I think you're right. I did a bit of internet research to see what features I should be looking forward & found some good photos etc on http://www.thewcg.org.uk/idaids/othiini.htm
Please correct me if I'm wrong but it seems the fact that the antennal insertions are separated by < the length of the 1st antennal segment makes it one of the orthiini tribe. The short broad mandible & diffusely punctured pronotum & elytra make it one of the orthius species rather than the atrecus species. The size favours O.punctulatus.
I have tried to take a better photo but these features are easier to see under the microscope.
It will be interesting to see what Jon & Paul come up with.

JRsbugs · #9 (**permalink**) 30-03-2009, 11:34 PM

Peter, by what it says on the link that would be correct. I don't have any keys, I tend to find the pics and, if I can, then find info besides to confirm. All features on yours, to my eye, matched very well. This pic is a good one..

http://www.koleopterologie.de/galler...to-faasen.html

JonSadler · #10 (**permalink**) 31-03-2009, 06:59 PM

Peter/Janet,

I did look at work and it is not a Philonthus. Janet's ID of Othius punctulatus is a good one. And your antennal characteristic is correct Peter.

Nicely done!

Regards
Jon