Predatory Beetles : Rove beetles

categories: Natural Enemies Predatory Beetles

last review date: 2025-08-23 07:34

Biology

Rove beetles are odd-looking shiny brown or black beetles, ¼- 1 inch in length, elongate and short-winged.

Turn over a rock or log especially near a compost pile and you will frequently find these fast-moving beetles. They look ‘fierce’ because of the scorpion-like way they hold the tip of the abdomen in the air, but most are only dangerous to the insects on which they feed.

Rove beetles have long sharp mandibles that close sideways across the front of the head and larger species are capable of inflicting a bite if roughly handled.

Adults and larvae feed on a wide range of insects smaller than themselves, especially fly maggots, ant larvae, mites and many other soft-bodied arthropods.

Rove beetles are common on the ground in most gardens but are rarely seen because of their nocturnal and secretive behavior.

Prey or Pest Targeted

• Mites, aphids, leafhoppers, mealybugs, thrips, insect eggs and small larvae, scale insects, whiteflies

Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden

• Native plants provide essential resources.
• Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
• Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
• Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
• Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
• Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
• Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended