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.
Tags
- Beetle
- Diving Beetle
- Dytiscidae
- Aquatic Insect
- Predator