Hydrochus rufipes

Melsheimer, F. E., 1844

Hydrochus rufipes is a of water scavenger beetle in the Hydrochidae, sometimes treated as a member of the family Hydrophilidae. It is found in North America. The specific epithet 'rufipes' refers to reddish legs, a characteristic feature of this species.

Hydrochus rufipes by (c) Matthew Pintar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matthew Pintar. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hydrochus rufipes: //haɪˈdrɒkəs ˈruːfɪpiːz//

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Identification

May be distinguished from other Hydrochus by the reddish coloration of the legs, as indicated by the specific epithet 'rufipes'. Hydrochidae (sometimes treated as part of Hydrophilidae) comprises small aquatic beetles that can be challenging to identify to species level without close examination.

Images

Habitat

Aquatic environments; typical for Hydrochidae which inhabits various freshwater .

Distribution

North America. Distribution records from GBIF indicate presence across much of the eastern and central United States including: Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Similar Taxa

Other Hydrochus speciesSimilar small aquatic ; H. rufipes distinguished by reddish legs
Hydrophilidae (if Hydrochidae treated as subfamily)Taxonomic placement varies; Hydrochidae sometimes included within Hydrophilidae as Hydrochinae

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The Hydrochidae has historically been treated as a (Hydrochinae) within Hydrophilidae. Modern classifications often recognize it as a distinct family, though this placement remains variable in literature.

Collection Records

GBIF distribution records indicate this has been documented across 25 U.S. states, with highest concentration in eastern and central regions. Only 4 observations recorded in iNaturalist as of data compilation.