Rove Beetle (Paederus littoralis)

Rove beetles belong to Staphylinidae, the largest family of beetles with over 63,000 species known worldwide and many more assumed yet to be found.

Typical habitats include various open wetlands; marginal habitats, marshes and flood plains.

P. littoralis is common on coastal dunes and cliffs and uniquely in its genus, also occurs in dry habitats such as calcareous grassland and areas of exposed chalk.

Adults occur year-round, overwintering in soil or among litter etc. and are active over a long season from early spring. They are diurnal predators, mostly active in bright sun, often climbing plant stems, but are more likely to be found roaming the surface, moving rapidly in search of prey which mostly consists of the Aphids they consume in large numbers.