Why are rove beetles strongly associated with moist habitats?
Answer
They have shortened forewings (elytra), making them susceptible to drying out
The strong preference rove beetles show for cool, damp places is directly related to their morphology. Specifically, most species within the Staphylinidae family possess shortened forewings, referred to as elytra. This anatomical feature reduces the surface area dedicated to protecting the delicate hindwings and abdomen compared to many other beetle groups. Consequently, these beetles are more prone to desiccation, meaning they lose essential body moisture quickly in dry conditions. This vulnerability necessitates seeking out moist environments such as under logs, beneath rocks, or in persistently damp basements to maintain necessary humidity levels for survival.
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