Rove Beetle Larva

Thanks for the hi-res image -

Thanks for the hi-res image - very nice! That does reinforce my earlier comment that it is likely a species of Dinothenarus or Tasgius, and not the other genera I mentioned. But larvae of none of those Din. or Tas. species are described or illustrated, and unfortunately some characters that should clearly separate these genera (based on European spp.) are not visible. E.g., Dinothenarus spp. should have 3- and 2-segmented maxillary and labial palpi, resp., and only a few split setae on the antero-ventral apical area of the protibia, while Tasgius spp. should have 4- and 3-segmented maxillary and labial palpi (with a small apical segment on each), and lots of split setae over the anteroventral face of the protibia. But the palps and the anterior face of the protibia can't be seen clearly enough in the photo.

… Alfred F. Newton, 19 March, 2012 - 2:12pm

Rove Beetle Larva

Based on the size and appearance it belongs to the subtribe Staphylinina and is most likely a mature larva of either Dinothenarus (2 spp., luteipes and saphyrinus, common in S.B. Co.) or Tasgius (2 adventive spp., T. ater common in S.B. Co.). It is definitely not Ocypus olens, or Creophilus, Platydracus, Hadrotes or Thinopinus that could be found in the county.

… Alfred F. Newton, 18 March, 2012 - 2:25pm

thanks again, Dr Newton.

very thorough

… v belov, 18 March, 2012 - 2:30pm

Greater Magnification

Not sure if greater magnification would be helpful, but the full size image can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/44150996@N06/6779387417/sizes/o/in/set-72157623998717973/

… Alice Abela, 19 March, 2012 - 1:17pm

Moved

Moved from Larvae.

… v belov, 18 March, 2012 - 1:56pm

gorgeous... how could i miss it?

Moved from ID Request.

… v belov, 18 March, 2012 - 5:35am

Something from the staphylini

Something from the staphylinine group of subfamilies, probably Staphylininae but maybe Paederinae. There are others on here that have more familiarity with larvae than me (e.g. Margaret Thayer).

-Adam

… Adam Brunke, 18 March, 2012 - 5:43am

thanks; Margaret notified...

… v belov, 18 March, 2012 - 5:45am

subtribe Staphylinina

But I'm going to pass it along to Al, the super-expert to see if he can take it further! There are several possible genera there.

… Margaret Thayer, 18 March, 2012 - 12:57pm

wonderful --thanks!! the beast must like all the attention

hope Al narrows it down further

… v belov, 18 March, 2012 - 1:57pm