Devil’s Coach Horse (Ochypus olens)
August 20, 2011 in Other Invertebrates by Simon Horsnall
A large beetle, 20 – 28 mm, belonging to the group known as Rove Beetles or Staphylinids. It is predatory, eating other beetles and invertebrates although it tends to avoid soft bodied prey like caterpillars and blowfly larvae.
When threatened it raises its hind end in a manner like a scorpion and displays its jaws. It has been known to bite man and can draw blood.
Underneath the elytra is a fully functional pair of wings and this species can fly well. It is found in a range of habitats and is fairly common.
