Creophilus erythrocephalus, Devil's coach horse

Swan Coastal Plain, Perth, Western Australia

This medium sized beetle is part of the Staphylinidae family; the rove beetles. The elytra (wing coverts) of rove beetles are shorter than most other beetle families, giving them their uncharacteristic appearance. This species is commonly found around carcasses where it aids the decomposition process.

Photographed for the Meet Your Neighbours international nature photography project in Perth, Western Australia.

Canon EOS 7D with Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro lens; 1/250s at f/16 ISO 250, flash fired: from hand.