Water scavenger beetle (Hydrophilidae)
In this section
-
Adult beetles
- Alligator weed flea beetle (Agasciles)
- Diving beetle (Antiporus)
- Diving beetle (Hyphydrus)
- Diving beetle (Lancetes)
- Diving beetle (Liodessus)
- Diving beetle (Onychohydrus)
- Diving beetle (Rhantus)
- Moss beetles (Hydraenidae)
- Riffle beetles (Elmidae)
- Rove beetles (Staphylinidae)
- Water scavenger beetle (Berosus)
- Water scavenger beetle (Hydrophilidae)
- Water scavenger beetle (Laccobius)
- Water scavenger beetle (Limnoxenus)
- Whirlygig beetle (Gyrinus)
Taxonomic group
Family: Hydrophilidae
Diagnostic features
Hydrophilid beetles (or water scavenger beetles) have larvae with soft abdomens that may be covered in bumps or long gills (see Berosus) depending on the genus. The larval head often appears tipped backwards, and long sickle-like jaws are often visible. The adults are active swimmers and generally oval in outline. The antennae have three enlarged segments at the tip (forming a “club”), but often the segmented palps (mouthparts) extend in front of the antennae.
Typical habitats
Hydrophilids can be found in weedy and stony, streams and ponds.
Feeding
The larval mouthparts suggest they are predators, but the adults may also scavenge on streambed detritus.
Indicator value
- Hard bottom: 5
- Soft bottom: 8.0
The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species
Hydrophilids occur in slow flowing waters with moderate to good water quality. They have tolerance values of 5 (hard bottom sites) and 8.0 (soft bottom sites).