rove beetle

rove beetle

n. Any of numerous beetles of the family Staphylinidae, often found in decaying matter and having slender bodies and short wing covers. Also called staphylinid.

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[Possibly from rove.]

rove beetle

n (Animals) any beetle of the family Staphylinidae, characterized by very short elytra and an elongated body: typically they are of carnivorous or scavenging habits

rove′ bee`tle

n. any of numerous beetles of the family Staphylinidae, having a slender, elongated body and very short front wings, and capable of running swiftly. [1765–75; appar. rove¹]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

rove beetle - active beetle typically having predatory or scavenging habitsbeetle - insect having biting mouthparts and front wings modified to form horny covers overlying the membranous rear wingsfamily Staphylinidae, Staphylinidae - rove beetles