Dytiscus circumcinctus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Adephaga
Family: Dytiscidae
Subfamily: Dytiscinae
Genus: Dytiscus
Species: circumcinctus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Dytiscus circumcinctus: /dɪˈtɪskəs sɜrkəmˈsɪŋktəs/

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Summary

Dytiscus circumcinctus is a species of predaceous diving beetle within the Dytiscidae family, known for its distinctive physical characteristics and wide distribution across the Holarctic region.

Physical Characteristics

Large and elongate; sometimes with a greenish sheen; ventral surface mostly yellow without expanded black markings on abdominal sterna (margins of sterna narrowly black); metacoxal lobes acuminate (pointed); inner margins of the eyes rimmed with yellow. Females can either be sulcate (with ridged elytra) or not.

Identification Tips

Look for the large size (27.5-34.0 mm) and the yellow ventral surface without extensive black markings.

Habitat

Found in various aquatic environments, typical of predacious diving beetles.

Distribution

Holarctic; transcontinental in both northern Eurasia and northern North America, with sightings as far south as Washington in the west and North Carolina in the east. Most frequently found in the Northern Great Plains, Alberta, and Manitoba.

Diet

Predacious, feeding on various aquatic organisms.

Ecosystem Role

A key predator in aquatic ecosystems, contributing to the control of prey populations.