Cybister fimbriolatus

(Say, 1825)

giant diving beetle, fringed diving beetle

Cybister fimbriolatus is a large to North America and the Neotropics. are active primarily in summer and inhabit ponds and ditches where they hunt other aquatic . Males possess expanded, modified legs used to grasp females during mating. The exhibits both and occasional daytime activity patterns.

Habitat

Ponds and ditches with standing water.

Distribution

North America and the Neotropics (Middle America).

Seasonality

Active primarily in summer.

Diet

Predatory; feeds on other aquatic . Specific capture and handling behaviors have been documented, with using forelegs to grasp prey while stabilizing with mid and hind legs during feeding.

Behavior

Primarily , though sometimes active during the day. Males have expanded feet adapted for grasping females during mating. exhibit ; flight patterns have been specifically studied in the nominate .

Ecological Role

in aquatic .

Sources and further reading