Devil’s Coach Horse

Scientific name: Ocypus olens

Why are we looking for it?

Although it is widespread in the UK, its nocturnal behaviour means that it is rarely encountered. With your help, we would like to find out more about where it lives and how many there are. There is evidence that some large beetles struggle to survive in urban areas. Is this the case for the Devil’s Coach Horse?

Identification tips

Could be confused with…
Other beetles in the same family (rove beetles). They are all black with the same body shape but the Devil’s Coach Horse is the only one of this size (about 25mm long).

Where and when can I find it?
In spring and autumn across the UK in both rural and urban areas. Try looking in parks, gardens, woodland and fields. The Devil’s Coach Horse is nocturnal, so during the day it is found resting amongst fallen leaves or under logs and stones.

Lifestyle

The Devil’s Coach Horse is a predator, hunting other invertebrates such as slugs, woodlice and other beetles at night. Its strong legs and flexible body make it well adapted to hunting in fallen leaves and amongst logs and stones.

As well as using its impressive jaws, it can defend itself against predators such as birds by producing a strong unpleasant smell.

The female lays up to 200 eggs. The young (larvae) hatch out after one month and live on or just below the ground. After around five months the larvae pupate, then hatch out as adults five weeks later. The adults live for up to two years.

What does it do for us?

Both predators and prey are important in any ecosystem. The Devil’s Coach Horse eats other invertebrates, some of which may be garden pests. In doing this, it helps to reduce pest populations, recycle nutrients and maintain a healthy ecosystem.

Interesting fact

Superstition has been associated with this species for hundreds of years. It’s also called the Devil’s Footman, Devil’s Coachman and Coffin Cutter. One old wives’ tale suggested that when it raised its tail it was casting a curse on you.