Devil’s coach horse’ beetle
Staphylinus olens
Conservation status: Common
When to see: April to October
About
This is the ‘devil’s coach horse’ beetle. In defence mode the devil’s coach horse beetle raise their tail like a scorpion, just like in the photo. Watch out for these guys, they are voracious predators and with those big jaws can deliver a painful bite. They can also emit a foul-smelling substance from their abdomens. They are good guys to have in the garden as they hunt slugs and many other things we view as pests.
| See also different: | Garden beetles |
