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Project Noah Nature School
Unidentified Rove beetle (Staphylinidae). Rove beetles have shortened elytra, leaving much of the abdomen uncovered. They can fly quite well though, thanks to functional wings tucked underneath. Because many species have a pair of short projections at the end of the abdomen, they are often mistaken for earwigs. When threatened they will often turn and tip their "tail" up at you, like a scorpion - but this is all show, they can not really sting.
2 individuals found in urban backyard.
Spotted on May 7, 2012
Submitted on May 7, 2012
