Entièrement noir. Ovale, relativement convexe, en forme de bouclier. Les élytres sont ponctuées et lisses : elles ne présentent pas de trace de carène longitudinales. Bords latéraux en gouttières larges et relevées. Tête large, aussi longue que large.
Facilité d'identification :
Difficile
Confusion possibles :
Cette espèce ne peut être confondue principalement qu'avec Ablattaria laevigata (Fabricius, 1775), 1781 et Silpha tyrolensis Laicharting, 1781 qui ont les élytres presque lisses, sans lignes longitudinales de carènes. Toutefois, Silpha tyrolensis Laicharting, 1781 est une espèce d'altitude, contrairement aux deux autres, mais elles peuvent se trouver ensemble entre 1400 et 2000 mètres. Ablattaria laevigata (Fabricius, 1775) s'en distingue assez facilement avec sa tête très allongée, alors qu'elle est aussi longue, voire moins longue, que large chez les Silpha. Pour Silpha obscura Linnaeus, 1758 et Silpha tyrolensis Laicharting, 1781, la distinction n'est possible que par des caractères très ténus, principalement avec la forme et la densité de la ponctuation.
Périodes d'observation :
Printemps et été, plutôt liée au milieu ouverts de plaine.
Biologie/Ethologie :
Cette espèce est prédatrice, à l'état adulte comme à l'état larvaire. Opportuniste, elle se nourrit de toutes les proies vivantes qu'elle trouve (vers, larves, autres insectes, escargots…).
Biogéographie :
L'espèce semble répandue dans presque toute la France continentale, mais est nettement plus abondante dans le sud.
D'après: Debreuil, M. 2003. Contribution à la connaissance de la famille des Silphidae Latreille, 1807 (Coleoptera Staphylinioidea). Première partie. Rutilans, 6(2): 29-37.
A. Horellou(UMS 2006 Patrimoine Naturel (AFB / CNRS / MNHN)),2015
The map presents a summary at the 10 x 10 km grid of the observation data for the species transmitted to the SINP. These data have been subjected to validation filters.
Distribution map from the Atlas of Departmental Biodiversity and Marine Sectors program
Current distribution in metropolitan France
The map presents a reference distribution layer of the species at the scale of departments and marine sectors. The presence and absence data were established by expertise within a network of partners. This reference distribution is used in the validation process of the SINP data at the INPN level.
Distribution map from the Atlas of Departmental Biodiversity and Marine Sectors program
Certain presence
Corresponds to a report on the basis of at least one observation proved within a period of 10 years (20 years for little-known invertebrates) preceding the year and no presumption of extinction since obtaining the last data nor doubt on reproductive and implemented nature of this population. For migratory species, the presence indicated concerns areas of reproduction.
Probable presence
This status is based on one or more of the following criteria:
search of species incomplete but presence of supportive environments;
ecology of the species consistent with the hypothesis of his presence;
the last reliable sighting is older than 10 years compared to the reference date, no recent specific research and no presumption of extinction from that date [vertebrates, invertebrates and plants well studied (rhopalocera, grasshoppers, dragonflies ...)] ;
the last reliable observation being older than 20 years, no recent specific research and no presumption of extinction from that date [poorly known taxa: fungus, many invertebrates...].
Probable or certain absence
This point covers the absence, more difficult by nature to demonstrate than presence. This status is based on one or more of the following criteria:
intensive but unsuccessful targeted research;
lack of adequate environments;
unobserved species while its presence is easily detected;
unlikely presence for historical or biogeographical reasons.
This status must be assigned to a department in which the presence of the species is casual.
Absence due to a proven extinction
Particular case of absence due to a proven extinction less than a half century ago (older disappearances are treated as "no probable or definite").
No information
In the state of knowledge, we can not comment on the presence or absence in the current department. This is the default status when not comprised in one of the previous categories or whenever there is doubt.
French Version
