Omaliinae


The Omaliinae are a subfamily of the Staphylinidae, rove beetles.

Anatomy

Typical adults are 1.5 to 6 mm long, somewhat broader in shape than are most Staphylinidae, with somewhat longer elytra, the head with a broad neck, the antennae which are only slightly broader at the apex, and tarsi of five articles. In almost all genera is a pair of ocelli near the base of the head, and in a few, the elytra cover the entire abdomen. The maxillary mala of larvae is strap-shaped, but not as long as in the Proteininae, and the mandible lacks a prostheca.

Ecology

Adults and larvae occur in leaf litter, decaying fruits, moss, and under bark of dead trees. Adults of several species and larvae of a few occur in flowers. Adults and larvae of many genera and species are believed to be predatory, though a few seem to be phytophagous or saprophagous.

Systematics and evolution

The Omaliinae subfamily is large, and is divided into these seven tribes:
In North America, 55 genera and more than 200 species are found.