A Rove Beetle (Ocypus winkleri pos)

The first impression is that this is the 'Devil's Coach-horse', Ocypus olens. But, while Ocypus olens can be 32mm long, this was only 20mm when active and 17mm at rest.

It belongs to a group of very similar species (the Ocypus globulifer group) that can only be positively identified by microscopic examination. Of that group O. winkleri is the most common in the UK and therefore the most likely candidate.

Whereas the abdomen of most beetles is covered by smooth wing cases (elytra), the greater part of the rove beetles abdomen, which is covered by short bristly hairs, is exposed behind very short elytra that never-the-less cover fully functioning wings which make them proficient fliers. The wing folding process after flight is interesting to watch, if you get the chance.

They live in cool damp places at ground level - usually in garden or woodland habitats, hiding under fallen wood or stones by day and feeding on small insects and grubs.

To a greater or lesser degree, all the rove beetles adopt a 'scorpion like' posture when alarmed. They stand their ground, raise the rear abdomen up and forwards and open their jaws in a threatening display. If provoked enough, they will actually bite - which is usually enough for most humans to 'back off' although the damage is likely to be only superficial. [bugsandweeds.co.uk]
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