Insect Orders
The Dytiscidae Family: Predacious Diving Beetles
Acilius sp.
a.
b.
c.
Dytiscus sp.
d.
e.
f.
Hydaticus sp.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
Acilius sp.
- Common Name: Predacious Diving Beetle
- Identifying Features: Larva: Swimming hairs are located on the last two segments of its abdomen. Adult: There is a notched spur on its hind tibia and its elytrum is punctate (looks perforated with many small holes).
- Size of Mature: Larva: 15mm Adult: 12mm
- Habitat: Submergent vegetation
- Figures:
a. Mature larva
b. Dorsal view of adult
c. Ventral view of adult, observe the adhesion disks on the forelegs
Dytiscus sp.
- Common Name: Predacious Diving Beetle
- Identifying Features: Larva: The presence of swimming hairs on the cerci identifies this beetle. Adult: The adult is identified by its large size, 20-38mm.
- Size of Mature Larva: 5cm Adult: 2.5cm
- Habitat: Submergent vegetation
- Figures:
d. Immature larva
e. Dorsal view of adult male
f. Ventral view of adult male, notice the adhesion disks on the forearms
Hydaticus sp.
- Common Name: Predacious Diving Beetle
- Identifying Features: Larva: The absence of swimming hairs on its cerci. Adult: Unlike Acilius sp., Hydaticus sp. has an unnotched, acute spur at the apex of the hind tibia.
- Size of Mature Larva: 20mm Adult: 11mm
- Habitat: The bottom of ponds
- Figures:
g. Immature larva
h. Mature larva
i. Dorsal view of adult female
j. Front view of adult female
k. Ventral view of adult female, notice the absent adhesion disks on the forearms