Hydroscaphidae

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Hydroscaphidae
Temporal range: Aptian–Recent
Hydroscapha natans
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Myxophaga
Superfamily: Sphaeriusoidea
Family: Hydroscaphidae
LeConte, 1874
Genera

The Hydroscaphidae are a small family of water beetles known commonly as skiff beetles.[1] As of 2010, there are 23 species in the family.[2] Several are recently described.

These beetles are small, most under 2 mm (0.079 in) in length. They are tan to brown in color and the

tergites of the abdomen exposed. The wings are fringed with long setae. The larvae are fusiform, with a wide thorax and a narrowing abdomen.[2]

Hydroscaphidae live on mats of algae with a thin layer of running water. This may be the accumulated algae lining the very edge of a stream of water.[3] They tolerate a wide range of temperatures; they have been observed in hot springs and in icy snowmelt. The algae are their food source.[2]

The reproductive cycle is not well known. In at least one species, the female lays a single large egg on the algal mat.[2]

Hydroscaphid species have been reported from every continent except Antarctica.

Genera:[4]

References

Further reading

External links