rove beetle

noun

1. any of numerous beetles of the family Staphylinidae, having a slender, elongated body and very short front wings, and capable of running swiftly.

rove beetle

noun

1. any beetle of the family Staphylinidae , characterized by very short elytra and an elongated body: typically they are of carnivorous or scavenging habits

Word History and Origins

Origin of rove beetle¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

He argues that the rove beetles have survived and succeeded because they've found various chemical strategies to defend against ants—and live alongside them, sometimes even inside their nests.

From Scientific American

In what may be one of Earth’s craziest forms of mimicry, researchers have discovered a new species of rove beetle that grows a termite puppet on its back to fool real termites into feeding it.

From Science Magazine

Joseph Parker has wanted to know what makes rove beetles tick since he was seven years old.

From Nature

In the middle is a huge centre ground of ladybirds, leaf beetles, chafers, ground beetles, rove beetles and longhorns.

From The Guardian

In contrast, aleocharines are a wholly different lineage of rove beetles, and with their flexible bodies, have run a totally different evolutionary track to advanced myrmecophily.

From Scientific American