Credit Nick Goodrum 1/5
Credit Nick Goodrum 2/5
Credit Sue Ranby 3/5
Credit Sue Ranby 4/5
Credit Nick Goodrum 5/5

Devil’s coach horse Staphylinus olens

Devil's coach horses are voracious predators, emerging after dark to prey on other invertebrates, and using their pincer-like jaws to crush them. They are fast-moving, preferring to run along the ground rather than fly. They are well-known for curling up their abdomens like the tail of a scorpion when threatened, and emitting a foul-smelling substance from their abdomens. Beware - they can also deliver a painful bite to us! Females lay their eggs in soil; the predatory larvae hatch and spend the winter as pupae, emerging the following spring as adults.

Conservation status

Common.

Related questions & advice

Can you suggest some simple things to do to make my garden more wildlife friendly?

Details

Did you know? The Devil’s coach horse is the largest of the rove beetles – so names because they are continually on the move.
How to recognise
Where to see
When to see
How to help

Gallery feed

See all photos

Whats on?

March 2024
MTWTFSS
26
27
28
29
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Share this