Burrowing Water Beetles
Noteridae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Adephaga
- Family: Noteridae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Noteridae: //noʊˈtɛrɪdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Noteridae is a family of burrowing water beetles, closely related to Dytiscidae, with notable predatory behavior. They inhabit aquatic environments, often in association with vegetation.
Physical Characteristics
Small, ranging from 1 to 6 mm, with smooth oval bodies ranging from light brown to darker reddish brown. The head is short and somewhat covered by the prothorax.
Identification Tips
Distinguished by the presence of a distinctive 'noterid platform' underneath, between the second and third pair of legs.
Habitat
Mostly found in standing water, usually associated with algae, plants, and plant roots.
Distribution
Worldwide, with a higher diversity in warmer climates, especially in the tropics. In the US, most species occur in the southeastern region, with Florida fauna being the richest.
Diet
Adults are primarily carnivorous, while larvae may be omnivorous with some scavenging observed.
Ecosystem Role
Adults and larvae are aquatic; they burrow through pond and marsh substrate and contribute to the predatory dynamics in aquatic ecosystems.
Evolution
Noteridae was formerly classified with Dytiscidae, indicating close relation.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Sometimes mistakenly regarded as only scavengers when they are primarily carnivorous.
Tags
- Noteridae
- Burrowing Water Beetles
- Aquatic Beetles
- Insecta
- Coleoptera