Ilybius picipes
(Kirby, 1837)
Ilybius picipes is a predaceous diving beetle in the Dytiscidae. It has a Holarctic distribution, occurring in North America and the Palearctic region. The was historically confused with I. angustior but is now recognized as distinct based on genitalia and surface texture differences.

Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ilybius picipes: /ˈɪlɪbiəs ˈpɪsɪpɛs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from the similar Ilybius angustior by its dull (not aeneous/-colored) upper surface and by diagnostic characters in the genitalia of both sexes. The two are habitually very similar in overall form.
Images
Distribution
Holarctic; recorded from North America, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Canada. In North America, present in Alberta and other regions.
Similar Taxa
- Ilybius angustiorVery similar habitually, but I. angustior typically has an aeneous (-colored) upper surface and differs in genitalia structure. Previously considered .
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Bug Eric: The Black Corsair
- Bee Assassin on Coneflower | Beetles In The Bush
- Bug Eric: City Nature Challenge 2023 Recap
- What’s black and white and red all over? | Beetles In The Bush
- Bug Eric: Kissing Bugs
- Bug Eric: Indoor Insects of Autumn (part 1 of 4)
- Ilybius angustior (Gyllenhal) and I. picipes (Kirby) as distinct, holarctic species (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)