Water beetle

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Water Beetles (Dytiscidae). a, Beetle (Cybister sp.); b, head of beetle with feelers and gunts (Agabus); c, larva (Larva of Dytiscus, Water Beetle); d, pupa (Pupa of Dytiscus).

A water beetle is a generalized name for any

marine species that live in the intertidal zone or littoral zone. There are approximately 2000 species of true water beetles native to lands throughout the world.[1]

Many water beetles carry an air bubble, called the elytra cavity, underneath their abdomens, which provides an air supply, and prevents water from getting into the spiracles.[2] Others have the surface of their exoskeleton modified to form a plastron, or "physical gill", which permits direct gas exchange with the water. Some families of water beetles have fringed hind legs adapted for swimming, but most do not. Most families of water beetles have larvae that are also aquatic; many have aquatic larvae and terrestrial adults.[3][4]

Diet

Water beetles can be either

predators, or scavengers. Herbivorous beetles eat only aquatic vegetation, such as algae or leaves. They might also suck juices out the stem of a plant nearby. Scavenger beetles will feed on decomposing organic material that has been deposited. The scavenged material can come from aquatic vegetation, feces, or other small organisms that have died.[5] The great diving beetle, a predator, feeds on things like worms, tadpoles, and even sometimes small fish.[6]

Species

Families in which all species are aquatic in all life stages include:

Families in which the adults are not necessarily aquatic include:

See also

  • Aquatic insects

References

  1. ^ "Water Beetle: pictures, information, classification and more". www.everythingabout.net.
  2. ^ "Water Beetle - Facts, Information & Pictures".
  3. ISBN 0801420768
    .
  4. ISBN 9780867200171
    .
  5. ^ "Aquatic Beetles". EcoSpark. Archived from the original on 12 September 2016. Retrieved 17 March 2024.
  6. ^ "Great Diving Beetle | The Wildlife Trusts". www.wildlifetrusts.org.
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