Hydrovatus davidis
Young, 1956
Hydrovatus davidis is a small diving in the Dytiscidae, described by Young in 1956. It belongs to the Hydrovatus, a group of minute predatory beetles adapted to aquatic life. The species is documented from North America, though specific ecological details remain poorly recorded in scientific literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hydrovatus davidis: /haɪdroʊˈveɪtəs ˈdævɪdɪs/
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Identification
Members of Hydrovatus are among the smallest dytiscids, usually measuring under 3 mm. -level identification requires examination of male genitalia and fine details of elytral punctation and coloration. Hydrovatus davidis is distinguished from by the specific configuration of the and parameres as described in the original species ; external alone is insufficient for reliable identification.
Habitat
Hydrovatus occupy shallow, standing freshwater including ponds, pools, and vegetated wetlands. Specific microhabitat preferences for H. davidis have not been documented.
Distribution
Recorded from North America. Precise locality data and range boundaries are not established in accessible literature.
Ecological Role
As with other Hydrovatus , likely functions as a micro- on small aquatic in lentic .
Similar Taxa
- Hydrovatus pustulatusOverlapping North American distribution and similar small size; requires genitalic examination to distinguish.
- Hydrovatus cuspidatusAnother small Nearctic Hydrovatus ; external highly similar, necessitating dissection for confident identification.
More Details
Taxonomic Note
The epithet 'davidis' honors an individual named David, though the original description does not specify the referent. The original description by Young (1956) remains the primary source for identification.