Rove beetle ID

Lord V · #1 (**permalink**) 13-03-2010, 07:21 AM

Rove beetle busy eating something in the compost heap - normally these bolt for cover as soon as I take the lid off. About 12mm body length. Has tiny mites on it's carapace (a common occurence in my compost heaps). Taken Yesterday - the photo is focus stacked in case you are wondering.
Any chance of ID ?

Thanks
Brian v.

ladyhawk · #2 (**permalink**) 13-03-2010, 10:50 AM

looks like a devil's coach-horse but i be wrong

JonSadler · #3 (**permalink**) 13-03-2010, 08:54 PM

Looks like a species of Philonthus. You need to count the number of medial punctures on the thorax to be sure.

Regards
Jon

Lord V · #4 (**permalink**) 14-03-2010, 07:34 AM

Thanks for the suggestions

Brian v.

Paul mabbott · #5 (**permalink**) 14-03-2010, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonSadler

Looks like a species of Philonthus. You need to count the number of medial punctures on the thorax to be sure.

Regards
Jon

Yes, I would also think a Philonthus sp: you would need a lot more detail to get it down to species .... even if the name hasn't been changed recently!

Lord V · #6 (**permalink**) 14-03-2010, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Yes, I would also think a Philonthus sp: you would need a lot more detail to get it down to species .... even if the name hasn't been changed recently!

Thanks for the confirmation Paul
Brian V.