Agabini
Agabini
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Adephaga
- Family: Dytiscidae
- Subfamily: Agabinae
- Tribe: Agabini
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Agabini: //ˈæɡəˌbaɪnaɪ//
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Summary
The genus Agabus is a diverse and widespread group of predatory aquatic beetles in the family Dytiscidae, containing over 100 species in 5 genera locally and over 330 species globally. It has a complex taxonomy with ongoing revisions and several recognized species groups.
Physical Characteristics
Adult beetles are moderate-sized, ranging from 5 to 14 mm long.
Identification Tips
Distinguishable by their predatory lifestyle and aquatic habitat.
Habitat
Primarily aquatic environments such as ponds, lakes, and streams.
Distribution
Primarily Holarctic; some species are also found in Afrotropical and Neotropical realms.
Diet
Predatory, feeding on other aquatic organisms.
Life Cycle
Includes aquatic larvae (nymphs) that eventually metamorphose into adults.
Reproduction
Details on reproduction are not specified in the provided text.
Conservation Status
Three species (A. clypealis, A. discicollis, A. hozgargantae) are classified as endangered according to the IUCN Red List.
Ecosystem Role
Important predators in aquatic ecosystems, helping to control populations of other organisms.
Evolution
The genus Agabus may be polyphyletic or paraphyletic, with recent studies indicating a reclassification of certain species.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- insects
- aquatic
- Coleoptera
- Dytiscidae
- Agabini
- predaceous diving beetles