Thermonectus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Thermonectus: //ˌθɜːmoʊˈnɛktəs//

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Summary

Thermonectus is a genus of diving beetles that includes the sunburst diving beetle (Thermonectus marmoratus), known for their colorful appearance and unique adaptations for life in aquatic environments, including their bifocal vision system. They are important predators in their ecosystems.

Physical Characteristics

The adult sunburst diving beetle (Thermonectus marmoratus) has a length of 0.8–1.5 cm (0.31–0.59 in), with females being slightly larger than males. The carapace is black with bright yellow or golden spots. Males have suction disks on each foreleg.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive yellow spots on a black carapace and the presence of a suction disk on the forelegs of males.

Habitat

Inhabits various slow-moving freshwater habitats, particularly shallow, temporary or intermittent pools and creeks with little or no aquatic vegetation.

Distribution

Found in extreme Southern California, southern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Mexico.

Diet

Predators and scavengers of small invertebrates, such as aquatic insects and snails, as well as small vertebrates like young fish and tadpoles. They prefer to feed on small, already dead soft-bodied animals.

Life Cycle

Eggs develop in about 28 days from laying to adult emergence. Larvae are aquatic and prey primarily on mosquito larvae and other aquatic animals.

Reproduction

Adults overwinter on land, breed in late spring to early summer, and newly emerged adults disperse to overwintering sites in late summer.

Ecosystem Role

Help control populations of mosquito larvae and other aquatic insects by feeding on them.

Cultural Significance

Brightly colored and often displayed in zoos, sometimes alongside other aquatic beetles.

Collecting Methods

• Light traps
• Aquatic nets

Preservation Methods

• Ethyl alcohol
• Pinned specimens

Misconceptions

The bright coloration serves as a warning signal to predators, which may lead to the misconception that they are not harmful, when in fact they can release a foul-tasting chemical.

Tags

• Thermonectus
• diving beetles
• insects
• aquatic beetles
• Coleoptera
• bifocal vision