Symphiles

[4] Many species of Staphylinidae (commonly known as “Rove Beetles”) have developed complex interspecies relationships with ants.

Many of these, including species in tribe Clavigerini, are myrmecophagous, placating their hosts with glandular secretions while eating the brood.

The majority of studied myrmecophilous Rove Beetles belong to the subfamily Aleocharinae, including the commonly studied genera Pella, Dinarda, Tetradonia, Ecitomorpha, Ecitophya, Atemeles, and Limechusa, and to the subfamily Pselaphinae, which includes Claviger and Adranes.

Pselephines have evolved trichomes independently at least four times, most notably in all members of Clavigerini, but also in Attapsenius and Songius genera.

[7] Due to their large number and diversity, myrmecophilous Rove Beetles occupy an array of behaviors.

The most extreme adaptations, found in members of tribe Clavigerini, include the reduction of mouthparts for trophallaxis and the fusing of many body and antennal segments.

[10] Symphiles typically take on many roles in the colony, raising young, feeding and grooming adults, and helping transport food and larvae.

As hydrocarbon patterns are specific to an individual colony, the rove beetles are generally restricted to one nest.

Physical adaptation to resemble ants has evolved in rove beetles on at least twelve separate occasions.