Acilius mediatus

(Say, 1823)

Median Predaceous Diving Beetle

Acilius mediatus is a predaceous diving beetle in the Dytiscidae. It inhabits freshwater across North America and is most frequently observed during spring and summer. The is , preying on other aquatic arthropods. Males possess modified front legs with hairy pads used to grasp females during mating.

Acilius mediatus by (c) promiseminime, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Acilius mediatus UMFS 3 by Fredlyfish4. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Acilius mediatus 3 by promiseminime. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Acilius mediatus: /əˈsɪliəs miːdiˈeɪtəs/

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Habitat

Found in creeks, ponds, and ditches, including occasionally silt-laden streams. Occupies lentic and slow-moving lotic freshwater environments.

Distribution

North America. Documented from Canada (Manitoba, New Brunswick) and the United States.

Seasonality

Best observed during spring and summer.

Diet

. Prey consists of other aquatic arthropods that the can subdue.

Behavior

Males have expanded front feet with clumps of hairs used to grab hold of females for mating.

More Details

Taxonomic History

Originally described as Acillius mediatus by Say in 1823.

Sources and further reading