Rhantus

Dejean, 1833

Species Guides

7

Rhantus is a of predaceous diving beetles (Dytiscidae) comprising approximately 100 with worldwide distribution. Members of this genus are primarily associated with lentic freshwater , particularly pools and marshy wetlands. The genus is currently recognized as ; taxonomic revision is anticipated following 2017 research that transferred 17 species to newly established genera (Nartus, Meridiorhantus, Caperhantus, and Carabdytes). Several species have independently colonized oceanic islands and undergone diversification.

Rhantus binotatus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Braden J. Judson. Used under a CC0 license.Rhantus by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.Rhantus by (c) Zoe Anthony Quested, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zoe Anthony Quested. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rhantus: //ˈræn.təs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

Pools and marshy wetland ; lentic freshwater environments. Specific occupy Melaleuca wetlands in southwestern Australia.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with notable occurrence in Colombia (Bogotá, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Nariño, San Andrés y Providencia, Santander, Valle del Cauca), Denmark, Norway, and southwestern Australia. The R. rugulosus-clade exhibits a disjunct Afrotropical-Oriental distribution pattern. Several are oceanic island endemics.

Ecological Role

for wetlands of high conservation value. The presence of certain , such as Rhantus simulans, has been used to identify wetlands requiring protection.

Similar Taxa

  • NartusFormerly included in Rhantus; 17 transferred to this and other new (Meridiorhantus, Caperhantus, Carabdytes) in 2017 revision
  • Meridiorhantus established in 2017 from former Rhantus
  • Caperhantus established in 2017 from former Rhantus
  • Carabdytes established in 2017 from former Rhantus

Tags

Sources and further reading