Hydaticini

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hydaticini: /haɪˈdætɪsaɪni/

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Summary

Hydaticini is a tribe of predatory water beetles within the family Dytiscidae, consisting of two genera, Hydaticus and Prodaticus, with a total of around 150 described species worldwide. They are important predators in aquatic ecosystems, found in various habitats globally.

Physical Characteristics

8.5–20.5 mm in size; small to large predatory water beetles.

Identification Tips

The genera Hydaticus and Prodaticus can be distinguished by habitat preference and morphological features; Hydaticus usually has a more compact shape and shorter elytra compared to Prodaticus.

Habitat

Predominantly aquatic environments, such as ponds, lakes, and marshes.

Distribution

Found throughout most of the world, with specific species adapted to temperate and tropical regions.

Diet

Predatory, feeding primarily on other aquatic invertebrates.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with adults typically emerging from water bodies.

Reproduction

Reproduces by laying eggs in or near water, where larvae develop in aquatic conditions.

Predators

Natural predators include larger aquatic insects and fish; may also be subject to predation by birds and other aquatic wildlife.

Ecosystem Role

Important predators in aquatic ecosystems, helping control populations of other aquatic invertebrates.

Collecting Methods

• Netting in aquatic habitats
• Hand collection near the water surface

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Drying and pinning for taxidermy

Similar Taxa

• Other Dytiscidae beetles
• Aquatic Coleoptera

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Hydaticus species with non-predatory aquatic beetles, which are not as aggressive.

Tags

• Dytiscidae
• Hydaticus
• Aquatic Beetles
• Predatory Beetles
• Coleoptera