Devil's coach horse beetle

Description:

The Devil's coach-horse beetle (Ocypus olens) is a very common and widespread European beetle, belonging to the large family of the rove beetles (Staphylinidae). It was originally included in the genus Staphylinus in 1764, and some authors and biologists still use this classification. The species has also been introduced to the Americas and parts of Australasia. It is a long-bodied beetle. At about 25–28 millimeters (1.0–1.1 in) it is one of the larger British beetles. Its wing covers (elytra) are short covering only its thorax, exposing the abdominal segments. The abdominal musculature is powerful and the abdominal segments are covered with sclerotized plates. It is capable of flight but its wings are rarely used. It is covered with fine black hairs. It is well known for its habit of raising its long and uncovered abdomen and opening its jaws, rather like a scorpion when threatened. This explains one of its alternative names, the cock-tail beetle. Although it has no sting, it can give a painful bite with its strong pincer-like jaws. It also emits a foul smelling odor, as a defensive secretion, from a pair of white glands at the end of its abdomen.

Habitat:

This black beetle usually shelters during the day under stones, logs or leaf litter. It is most often seen in forests, parks and gardens between April and October.

Notes:

This beetle was found under a rotting log in a suburb of Taylor, Michigan, USA.