About Ocypus ophthalmicus (Scopoli, 1763)
Ocypus ophthalmicus is a species of rove beetle in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Staphylininae. This species is distributed across most of Europe, the eastern Palearctic realm, North Africa, and the Near East. The head, pronotum, and elytra of these beetles show metallic blue reflections, and the surface of the pronotum is shiny. Adult Ocypus ophthalmicus reach a body length of 17–22 mm (0.67–0.87 inches). O. ophthalmicus is a eurytopic species, found in both deciduous forests dominated by Quercus species and Fagus species, as well as in xeric habitats. Individuals are most often found in detritus, under stones, and on dung. They are nocturnal predators that primarily hunt prey such as worms, snails, and larvae. This species is known for its characteristic defensive behavior: when threatened, it raises its long abdomen and opens its jaws in a posture similar to that of a threatened scorpion. While in this defensive posture, it secretes an irritating substance that produces a very unpleasant odor.
