Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#188718
Gold and Brown Rove Beetle - Ontholestes cingulatus

Gold and Brown Rove Beetle - Ontholestes cingulatus
Adams County, Pennsylvania, USA
June 6, 2008
Size: 1/2 inch
I have no idea where to start looking for an ID on this creature. I have never seen one like it. Reminiscent of an exterrestial. Appreciate any help in IDing it.

Thanks.

Comments

Rove?
I'm pretty sure it's a beetle, the jaws and what look like elytra make me think so. If it is maybe something in the family Staphylinidae, the Rove Beetles? Wait for an expert on this one!

 
Looks like......
You are in the right ball park, Will. I searched through the Staphylinidae pages and it looks very much like the Gold-and-brown Rove Beetle - (Ontholestes cingulatus) in Tom Murray's photos. I wonder if someone will verify this ID? Would appreciate it very much.

Thanks for pointing me in the proper direction, Will.

 
I will.
Consider it verified. Great shot. This species is so skittish I have no idea how you got this image.

 
(smile)
Thanks a lot, Eric. Long lenses help. :)

I'll move to proper page.