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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Beetles (Coleoptera) » Water, Rove, Scarab, Longhorn, Leaf and Snout Beetles (Polyphaga) » Rove, Carrion and Fungus Beetles (Staphylinoidea) » Rove Beetles (Staphylinidae) » Staphylininae » Platydracus » Platydracus maculosus
Photo#87419
Flying Insect ID Request - Platydracus maculosus
Copyright © 2006 Thomas of Baltimore City

Flying Insect ID Request - Platydracus maculosus
Herring Run Park, Baltimore City County, Maryland, USA
August 22, 2006
On this day I crossed paths with two kids playing in the woods. They noticed I was taking pictures of lifeforms so they brought this specimen to me.

This creature can actually fly despite that it lives under rocks and logs. When it flew away, a bit of blue was visible.
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Contributed by Thomas of Baltimore City on 17 November, 2006 - 3:54pm
Last updated 28 November, 2006 - 5:45pm

Largest rove beetle in US.
I know much of what you are posting are images you took before beginning to post on bugguide. For current material I hope you will supply size data.
… Jim McClarin, 17 November, 2006 - 6:53pm login or register to post comments

 
Will do!
Thank you all for this wonderful service!
… Thomas of Baltimore City, 17 November, 2006 - 6:59pm login or register to post comments

Staphylinidae
I think this beetle is genus Staphylinus. Staphylinid wings have a complex folding pattern to fit under their shortened elytra. Beetles in this genus are often found on carrion. This is one of the few bugs I've ever gotten bitten by that drew blood, it was pretty startling to see it biting through my thumb.
… Keith Bayless, 17 November, 2006 - 4:04pm login or register to post comments

 
Platydracus maculosus.
In fairness to Keith, the name change from genus Staphylinus is relatively recent, and not reflected in more popular literature.
… Eric R. Eaton, 17 November, 2006 - 4:58pm login or register to post comments

 
Ouch!
Good thing I didn't handle it. When I am out on my photowalks I do not touch any of my subjects.
… Thomas of Baltimore City, 17 November, 2006 - 4:10pm login or register to post comments

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