Latin: Staphyllinidae
Staphyllinidae is the name for the largest family of beetles in Denmark. In the staphyllinidae-family, there are about 800 individual species. As one may guess from the name, the beetles are mainly predators. Hence the very broad categorization containing so many different species. However, there are also some predatory beetles that feed on fungi, algae, and decaying plants.
In context of the ecosystem, predatory beetles are not considered pests. Predominantly, they are beneficial animals that hold the population of smaller insects that prey on our crops at a minimum.
Appearance
Since there are so many different predatory beetles, they can vary quite a bit in appearance. Some of the largest species in Denmark can be up to 30 mm long. Other species are only 2-5 mm long. However, all predatory beetles can be recognized by their body shape. Their body is very elongated. They have short coverts which enabling the body to move freely. Most beetles have two joints, a front, and a hind body, where the predatory beetles have more. Two of the joints on the hind body are the only ones that are covered by the coverts.
The Predatory beetles also vary in color. They can have a completely solid colored. The solid-colored predatory beetles are typically black or brown, as most beetles in Denmark are. Some predatory beetles may have markings on the coverts, body, and head. These markings can vary in shapes and form, but they are typically red or yellowish.
Biology and behavior
Most often you encounter predatory beetles in the garden and in the nature. Since there are multiple species of them, they are normal encountered if one turns a rock or digs in the soil. During fall they can search indoors, but this is simply because they are looking for a place to overwinter, heated homes attract them, but they do not multiply inside as it is too dry. On that ground, one should not consider a predatory beetle as a danger, it is just an unwelcome guest, which you easily can carry outside again.
Predatory beetles do not like to eat cereals, flour, nuts, or the like, as people typically have problems with when it comes to other types of beetles. But the predatory beetles feed on other insects, both as larva and as an adult beetle. They do nourish on earthworms, snails, and other insects. In fact, they are useful, as they nourish on pest that can be harmful to crops. However, there are predatory beetles that do live as herbivores, and all predatory beetles thrives in a humid environment.
Damage
A single predatory beetle can easily get indoors, but they cannot harm people, animals, one’s food or home. The only large predatory beetle that can create a problem is the Ocypus oleens. The reason for the issues, is that this specific species can mimic a scorpion if it feels threatened. It bends the hind body upwards mimicking a scorpion’s tail.
However, the large predatory beetle is completely and utterly harmless as it has no sting or venom.
The large predatory beetle has powerful cheekbones. These cheekbones are used in nature when hunting pray, and they are not able to bite through human skin.
Prevention and control
As the predatory beetle is beneficial in nature, and they do not get inside homes or otherwise interfere in human life, there is no point preventing or controlling it. In fact, one should leave them alone if observed in nature as they are a central part of the ecosystem.
In rare cases one can encounter numerous beetles in the home, typically the same species. This is an indicator of a high humidity in the home. Both the beetles and larvae can be removed by vacuuming, afterwards you should take measures regarding the humidity in the home.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)