At ground level, navigating the channels and spaces in the upper parts of the soil, scuttling around in the leaf litter, under logs and stones and clambering among the lower parts of plants is a kaleidoscopic variety of tiny animals, overlooked by most. At the scale of these creatures, ant hills are towering peaks, pools are oceans and meadows are vast forests.
Rove beetles are the most diverse group of animals on the planet, with at least 66,000 species. The stenus genus comprises of 3,000 species worldwide with many more yet to be discovered. Ross Piper describes their fascinating life cycles, extraordinary anatomy and advises on how they can be identified and studied.
Video 1: Stenus rove beetles can squirt a tiny amount of chemicals hitting water with such force that the beetle is propelled forward at speed.
Video 2: Stenus rove beetles arching their abdomens and poking the glands at the tip in the face of other beetles or potential predators.
Video 3: All stenus species possess a secret weapon for catching their prey – telescopic mouthparts.