Adults may reach about 20–32 mm.
Fine-art photographic collection
Ocypus olens
A huge rove beetle that raises its abdomen like a scorpion and releases a chemical stink instead of a sting.
About this species
Ocypus olens(O. F. Müller, 1764)
Information reviewed15 July 2026
Ocypus olens is one of the largest rove beetles. It is a fast nocturnal predator with powerful jaws, very short wing cases and a famously dramatic defensive display.
Taxonomy
Animalia · Arthropoda · Insecta · Coleoptera · Staphylinidae · Ocypus
Accepted taxon. · checked 2026-07-15
Europe and North Africa, introduced in parts of North America and AustralasiaBroad range and selected reference localities — not a complete occurrence map.
Europe and North Africa, introduced in parts of North America and Australasia
Gardens, woodland, hedgerows, grassland and damp ground beneath stones and logs.
Mostly nocturnal, especially active in mild damp weather.
Predatory on slugs, worms and many other invertebrates.
Solitary.
What makes this species remarkable?
When threatened it opens its jaws and arches the flexible abdomen over its back like a scorpion, although it has no sting.
A pair of white defensive glands near the abdominal tip releases an offensive-smelling secretion; the Latin name olens means “smelling”.
Its wing cases look far too short for flight, but full-sized membranous wings are intricately folded beneath them and can carry the beetle through the air.