Ocypus ophthalmicus

Ocypus ophthalmicus is a species of rove beetle belonging to the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Staphylininae.

Ocypus ophthalmicus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Arthropoda
Class:
Insecta
Order:
Coleoptera
Family:
Staphylinidae
Genus:
Ocypus
Species:
O. ophthalmicus
Binomial name
Ocypus ophthalmicus
Synonyms
  • Ocypus baicalensis Eppelsheim, 1887
  • Ocypus cyanochloris Hochhuth, 1849
  • Staphylinus atrocoerulescens Goeze, 1777
  • Staphylinus azurescens Mannerheim, 1830
  • Staphylinus balcanicus J. Müller, 1923
  • Staphylinus coerulescens Goeffroy, 1785
  • Staphylinus cyaneus Paykull, 1789
  • Staphylinus hypsibatus Bernhauer, 1899
  • Staphylinus mordax Block, 1799
  • Staphylinus ophthalmicus Scopoli, 1763

These beetles are present in most of Europe, in the east Palearctic ecozone, in North Africa, and in the Near East.

Its head, pronotum, and elytra have metallic blue reflections, with a shiny surface of pronotum.

The adults grow up to 17–22 mm (0.67–0.87 in) long. O. ophthalmicus is a eurytopic species and can be encountered both in deciduous forests (Quercus spp., Fagus spp.) and in xeric habitats. Generally, they are found in detritus, under stones, and on dung. They are nocturnal predators (especially of worms, snails, larvae, etc.).

They are known for their habit of raising their long abdomens and opening their jaws, like a threatened scorpion. In this defense posture, they secrete an irritating substance, with a very unpleasant smell.

Subspecies
  • O. o. var. atrocyaneus Fairmaire, 1860
  • O. o. var. balearicus (J. Müller, 1926)
  • O. o. var. benoiti Drugmand, 1998
  • O. o. var. brigitteae Drugmand, 1998
  • O. o. var. ophthalmicus (Scopoli, 1763)
  • O. o. var. rodopensis Coiffait, 1971
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