| Home | Kingdom Animalia | Phylum Arthropoda | Class Insecta | Order Coleoptera | Suborder Adephaga | Family Dytiscidae | Common Name: Predaceous Diving Beetles |  |
Dytiscidae
Predaceous Diving Beetles
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Introduction:
Dytiscids are most likely to be confused with noterids, gyrinids, and hydrophilids, who share their aquatic habitat. Noterids differ in having a prosternal platform; gyrinids uniquely possess two pairs of compound eyes. The long, filiform, 11-segmented antennae of dytiscids distinguishes them from hydrophilids (short, clubbed antennae -- but be careful -- maxillary palpi are often long and antenna-like [but only 4-segmented]). In the field, dytiscids swim with synchronous strokes of the natatorial legs, while hydrophilids employ alternate paddle-like movements of their metathoracic legs.
Dytiscids are most likely to be confused with noterids, gyrinids, and hydrophilids, who share their aquatic habitat. Noterids differ in having a prosternal platform; gyrinids uniquely possess two pairs of compound eyes. The long, filiform, 11-segmented antennae of dytiscids distinguishes them from hydrophilids (short, clubbed antennae -- but be careful -- maxillary palpi are often long and antenna-like [but only 4-segmented]). In the field, dytiscids swim with synchronous strokes of the natatorial legs, while hydrophilids employ alternate paddle-like movements of their metathoracic legs.
Adult Diagnosis:
body oval, streamlined, and somewhat flattened dorsoventrally
antennae 11-segmented, long and filiform
prosternal platform absent
metathoracic legs natatorial (flattened and densely fringed with long setae)
5-5-5 tarsal formula (prothoracic and/or mesothoracic tarsi may sometimes appear 4-segmented)
first ventrite divided by the hind coxae
body oval, streamlined, and somewhat flattened dorsoventrally
antennae 11-segmented, long and filiform
prosternal platform absent
metathoracic legs natatorial (flattened and densely fringed with long setae)
5-5-5 tarsal formula (prothoracic and/or mesothoracic tarsi may sometimes appear 4-segmented)
first ventrite divided by the hind coxae
Ecology:
Adults and larvae prefer lentic aquatic habitats, such as ponds and lakes, but can also be found in quiet pools within streams and springs. Both adults and larvae are predaceous.
Adults and larvae prefer lentic aquatic habitats, such as ponds and lakes, but can also be found in quiet pools within streams and springs. Both adults and larvae are predaceous.
