Rove Beetle, but which one?

[pammosley]

Hi folks, I think this is a Rove Beetle, maybe Quedius Tristis?
Am I right?
Thanks for looking

[Geoff F]

Not going to be much help, but I have one that looks identical in my 'yet to be identified' files.

[peterbolson]

I've also got several photos of unidentified rove beetles. There doesn't seem to be an "expert" available here for them
I see there's a new RES handbook out. Thought I might get it - costs £27.99-with a book token I've got .

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Pam,

Try this useful page of test keys: http://markgtelfer.co.uk/beetles/sta...aphylininae-2/ though bear in mind that it'll probably need access to features you won't see from 'just' a dorsal image.

Take care,

Jason

[Paul mabbott]

You really can't get the detail on this picture (nor most others!) to identify to species. Indeed, I wouldn't want to take it to genus. Incidentally, I don't think this is Quedius but that means little!
What length was this beetle?

[pammosley]

Hi everyone thanks for the replies I`d say it was about 1" scurrying along a path at Gigrin Farm.
Jason, thanks for the link, not the best of photos I admit, nice to see I have good company in my " I have trouble IDing Rove Beetle" boat
I have also looked at a German site & thats where I got the Quedius from.
Thanks for all your help

[Geoff F]

Well I have downloaded the keys from Jason's recommended site; but I think I will have to wait for some wet weather before reading it.

I was looking at a beetle ID book (some beetles not the whole tribe) from NHBS but for a moment I appear to have lost the title.

However I would recommend the Aidgap Beetle ID booklet which, is easy to use and, for a modest price, will get you to family level.

And I did download some beetle ID keys by Brian Eversham for the Wildlife Trusts; which was recommended here. But I can't find that link either.

OK. I have had a check around and found that NHBS beetle book that I was searching for, and with a photo of a similar looking beetle to yours on the front cover http://www.nhbs.com/res_handbook_vol...no_174054.html but even on special offer it isn't cheap.

[iainL]

Hi Pam

It looks a wee bit like Philonthus to me (not sure if it's robust enough though) - anyhow here's a link to some images which you may want to check out

FAUNA GERMANICA (1908)

Iain

[pammosley]

Thanks Geoff, I do have the Aidgap book & just starting to use it. It is good ( & cheap!). The photo on the cover of that book does look like mine.....that`s just teasing
Iain, that link looks close doesn`t it.
Thanks to everyone for their interest