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

Of this description is the maxilla in the common dung-beetle (Geotrupes stercorarius), and rove-beetle (Staphylinus olens).

From Project Gutenberg