Cryptobiina,pytrail28-VI-13__458
This good-sized (17 mm) rove beetle (fam. Staphylinidae) is one of many that have tried to bite me. This one actually hurt and I think you can see why, I had another large rove beetle (Platydracus) in the white bucket along with this one for the photo shoot and their difference in behavior was striking. The Platydracus immediately began running around looking for an escape route, then shot its wings out and tried to fly out of the bucket. This beetle, on being emptied out into the bucket, took at least a minute to survey its surroundings, When it had finished it walked slowly around exploring things. If I touched it or moved my multitool near it for a measurement shot, it would open its mandibles threateningly but wouldn't run. Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador.
Cryptobiina,pytrail28-VI-13__458
This good-sized (17 mm) rove beetle (fam. Staphylinidae) is one of many that have tried to bite me. This one actually hurt and I think you can see why, I had another large rove beetle (Platydracus) in the white bucket along with this one for the photo shoot and their difference in behavior was striking. The Platydracus immediately began running around looking for an escape route, then shot its wings out and tried to fly out of the bucket. This beetle, on being emptied out into the bucket, took at least a minute to survey its surroundings, When it had finished it walked slowly around exploring things. If I touched it or moved my multitool near it for a measurement shot, it would open its mandibles threateningly but wouldn't run. Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador.