rove beetle

American  

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.

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rove beetle British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of rove beetle

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

In the Mournes, Mr Fisher said rove beetles and other insects "support the skylarks and the meadow pipits that come from the lowlands to nest up in the uplands during this time of year".

From BBC

In appearance, rove beetles are small and drab insects that eat critters in leaf litter.

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