| Ocypus ophthalmicus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Staphylinidae |
| Genus: | Ocypus |
| Species: | O. ophthalmicus |
| Binomial name | |
| Ocypus ophthalmicus (Scopoli, 1763) |
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| Synonyms | |
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Ocypus ophthalmicus is a species of rove beetle belonging to the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Staphylininae.
These beetles are present in most of Europe, in the East Palearctic ecozone, in North Africa and in the Near East.
Head, pronotum and elytra have metallic blue reflections, with a shiny surface of pronotum.
The adults grow up to 17–22 millimetres (0.67–0.87 in) long. Ocypus 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 abdomen and opening their jaws, like a threatened scorpion. In this defense posture, they secrete an irritating substance, with a very unpleasant smell.