The family Staphylinidae, or rove beetles, is the largest family of North American beetles, with about 2900 species. Most are small and of cryptic habits and although common, the group as a whole is not well studied. They are often found in agricultural soils and home gardens.
Adults are usually strong fliers.
The mobile larvae of nonparasitic rove beetles may be distinctly segmented. Most rove beetles are found in association with soil or decaying organic matter. They may be seen under debris or rocks, in compost piles, or crawling on plants. Adults have even been found in sweet corn tassels and silks late in the season. Predaceous rove beetles, depending on the species, may consume root maggot eggs and larvae, mites, small soil insects, insect eggs, or small insects on foliage.