COLEOPTERA > POLYPHAGA > STAPHYLINOIDEA > Staphylinidae

As previously noted, Ocypus olens, commonly known as the Devil's Coach-horse, is our largest staphylinid beetle, typically being around 25mm long, but with some specimens reaching 32mm.

They occur in a wide range of generally damp, but not too wet, habitats particularly in woodland, but also grasslands, waste ground, gardens etc. or, from my own findings, even on heathland if conditions are right. They are mostly nocturnal, usually remaining hidden away during the day in dark places such as under logs, but occasionally may be found in the open as the first one I found at Holt Heath, which was crossing a sandy path in the late afternoon. Adults can be found year-round, but are most active during the warmer summer months. They feed on a wide range of small invertebrates including worms, woodlice and spiders, but are also strongly attracted to carrion. During the cold winter months, they often burrow into the soil or find a suitable crevice within deadwood where they can lay dormant until spring. When threatened, they adopt a protective posture with both the abdomen and head raised, and usually with their mandibles wide open.

They are entirely black apart from the terminal antennal segments and palps. The body is broad, with the dorsal surface mainly dull black and covered with fine hairs. The head is quite large with small eyes, the pronotum is somewhat rounded posteriorly, the elytra short and the abdomen segments are covered with sclerotised plates. Although they can fly the wings are rarely used.

Updated, Jan.24 (v.3)