Staphylinoidea

Staphylinoidea is a superfamily of beetles that includes the rove beetles (Staphylinidae) and the hister beetles (Histeridae), along with several smaller families. This diverse group is characterized by a variety of morphological features, though generally they possess somewhat flattened bodies and short elytra (forewings) that expose most of the abdominal segments. The antennae are typically 11-segmented and can be filiform, clavate, or geniculate depending on the family.

Rove beetles, the most speciose family within Staphylinoidea, exhibit an incredible range of ecological adaptations, inhabiting nearly every terrestrial and freshwater environment. They are often found in leaf litter, decaying organic matter, soil, and associated with other invertebrates. Many species are predatory, feeding on small arthropods, while others are detritivores or myrmecophiles (living in association with ants).

Hister beetles are typically small, oval, and shiny black, often found in dung, carrion, and under bark. They are predominantly predators of other insects, particularly fly larvae, and play a role in decomposition ecosystems. The other families within Staphylinoidea, such as the Silphidae (carrion beetles) and Leiodidae (round-backed beetles), also contribute to nutrient cycling and ecological interactions within their respective habitats. The superfamily represents a significant component of insect biodiversity, with ongoing research continually revealing new species and understanding their complex evolutionary relationships.