Philonthus species Philonthus sp
There are only a few big Rove Beetles. The majority is smalller than 1 centimeter and a very large group even measures less than 5 mm. Many Rove Beetles are predators, hunting for insects and their larvae, snails, slugs and springtails. Some species live in or near muck or cadavers. Others are scavengers. This beautiful rove beetle is a member of the genus Philothus. It is not possible to tell the exact species from a photograph. Philonthus species are very common in most gardens.