Aquatic-beetle
Guides
Coptotomus venustus
Coptotomus venustus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It was described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species is distributed across North America and the Neotropics. As a member of the subfamily Coptotominae, it represents one of the more distinctive lineages within the predaceous diving beetles.
Crenitis
Crenitis is a genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, containing approximately 19 described species. The genus was established by Bedel in 1881. These beetles belong to the subfamily Chaetarthriinae and tribe Anacaenini. They are aquatic or semi-aquatic insects found in freshwater environments.
Cryptopleurum
Cryptopleurum is a genus of small water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, containing approximately 11 described species. The genus was established by Mulsant in 1844 and is classified within the subfamily Sphaeridiinae and tribe Megasternini. Species in this genus are found across multiple continents including North America, Europe, and Africa.
Cylloepus abnormis
riffle beetle
Cylloepus abnormis is a species of riffle beetle in the family Elmidae, first described by Horn in 1870. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the Elmidae family, it is adapted to aquatic habitats, particularly flowing water environments.
Cylloepus parkeri
Parker's cylloepus riffle beetle
Cylloepus parkeri is a species of riffle beetle in the family Elmidae, described by Sanderson in 1953. It is known from North America and belongs to a group of beetles specialized for living in fast-flowing aquatic environments. The species epithet honors an individual with the surname Parker.
Cymbiodyta acuminata
water scavenger beetle
Cymbiodyta acuminata is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by Fall in 1924. It is one of 29 recognized species in the genus Cymbiodyta, which was revised taxonomically in 1974. The species is distributed across northern North America, with records from Canada and the northern United States.
Cymbiodyta bifida
Cymbiodyta bifida is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It belongs to the genus Cymbiodyta, which comprises aquatic beetles typically found in freshwater habitats. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1855 and is known from eastern North America, with records from Canada and the United States. Like other members of its family, it is presumed to inhabit aquatic or semi-aquatic environments where it contributes to nutrient cycling through scavenging behavior.
Cymbiodyta dorsalis
Cymbiodyta dorsalis is a water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, first described by Motschulsky in 1859. The species was previously known under the synonym C. morata (Horn, 1890), which was synonymized with C. dorsalis in a 1974 revision of the genus. It belongs to the C. dorsalis species group within Cymbiodyta. The species is distributed across western North America and into Central America.
Cymbiodyta minima
water scavenger beetle
Cymbiodyta minima is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It was described by Notman in 1919 and is found across North America, with records from both Canada and the United States. As a member of the Hydrophilidae, it is an aquatic beetle associated with freshwater habitats.
Cymbiodyta pacifica
Cymbiodyta pacifica is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, first described by Leech in 1948. It is found in western North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada, and several western U.S. states including California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Like other members of its family, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species is part of the subfamily Enochrinae, which contains many small to medium-sized hydrophilid beetles.
Cymbiodyta vindicata
Cymbiodyta vindicata is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is found across much of North America, with records from Canada and the United States. A neotype has been designated for this species. The genus Cymbiodyta was revised in 1974, recognizing 29 species including C. vindicata.
Deltostethus
Deltostethus is a genus of water scavenger beetles in the family Hydrophilidae, established by Sharp in 1882. The genus contains at least four described species distributed in the New World. Members belong to the subfamily Sphaeridiinae, a group of small, compact beetles often associated with moist or decaying organic matter. The genus is poorly represented in scientific collections and field observations.
Derallus altus
Derallus altus is a water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, distributed across the Americas from the United States through Central and South America to the Caribbean. As a member of the tribe Berosini, it inhabits aquatic or semi-aquatic environments where it contributes to nutrient cycling through scavenging behavior. The species was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1855 and has been recorded in at least 12 U.S. states and multiple countries across the Neotropics.
Derovatellus floridanus
Derovatellus floridanus is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Fall in 1932. It belongs to the tribe Vatellini, a group of small to medium-sized diving beetles. The species is known from North America, with distribution records extending to the Caribbean, Middle America, and South America. As a member of the subfamily Hydroporinae, it is adapted to aquatic habitats.
Desmopachria circularis
Desmopachria circularis is a species of diving beetle described by Sharp in 1882. It belongs to the family Dytiscidae, a group of aquatic beetles adapted for underwater life. The genus Desmopachria is characterized by small body size and is distributed primarily in the Americas. This species is recorded from Middle America, though specific details about its biology remain poorly documented.
Desmopachria convexa
Desmopachria convexa is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Aubé in 1838. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae and tribe Hyphydrini. The species has a broad distribution spanning North and South America. Like other members of the genus Desmopachria, it is adapted to aquatic habitats and exhibits the compact, convex body form characteristic of this group of small diving beetles.
Desmopachria dispersa
Desmopachria dispersa is a small predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Crotch in 1873. The species is distributed across North America and the Neotropics. As a member of the genus Desmopachria, it belongs to a group of minute dytiscids often referred to as 'pygmy diving beetles' due to their diminutive size. The specific epithet 'dispersa' suggests a connection to dispersal, though the original etymology has not been confirmed in available sources.
Deuteronectes picturatus
Deuteronectes picturatus is a species of diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Horn in 1883. It belongs to the subfamily Hydroporinae, a diverse group of small to medium-sized predaceous diving beetles. The species is native to North America. Like other members of Dytiscidae, it is an aquatic beetle adapted to life in freshwater environments.
Dineutus
whirligig beetles
Dineutus is a genus of whirligig beetles (family Gyrinidae) characterized by relatively large body size compared to other whirligig beetles. Adults are 9–15 mm long with smooth, shallowly lined, or grooved elytra. The genus occurs across North America and other regions, with species inhabiting the surface waters of streams and rivers. Members are distinguished from the smaller genus Gyrinus by their larger size and hidden scutellum.
Dineutus assimilis
Dineutus assimilis is a species of whirligig beetle in the family Gyrinidae, native to North America. Like other members of the genus Dineutus, it inhabits the surface of freshwater bodies where it exhibits characteristic rapid, erratic swimming behavior. The species is distinguished from congeners primarily by ventral coloration and leg pigmentation. It is part of a diverse genus of surface-dwelling aquatic beetles known for their gregarious "rafting" behavior and chemical defenses.
Dineutus carolinus
whirligig beetle
Dineutus carolinus is a species of whirligig beetle in the family Gyrinidae. It is found across the Caribbean Sea, Central America, and North America. Whirligig beetles in this genus are among the largest members of the family and are characterized by their distinctive surface-dwelling aquatic lifestyle. The species was described by LeConte in 1868.
Dineutus discolor
large whirligig beetle
Dineutus discolor is a species of whirligig beetle in the family Gyrinidae, commonly known as the large whirligig beetle. Adults are active on the water surface, where they form conspicuous aggregations called 'rafts.' These social groups provide antipredator benefits through cooperative vigilance and collective detection of threats. The species is among the larger members of its genus, reaching approximately 12 mm in length.
Dineutus hornii
whirligig beetle
Dineutus hornii is a species of whirligig beetle in the family Gyrinidae, distributed across North America including Canada (Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia) and presumably the United States. Whirligig beetles in the genus Dineutus are among the largest members of the family, characterized by their distinctive surface-dwelling behavior and aggregations on calm water. Like other gyrinids, they possess divided compound eyes adapted for simultaneous vision above and below the water surface, and pygidial glands that produce defensive secretions.
Dineutus productus
whirligig beetle
Dineutus productus is a species of whirligig beetle in the family Gyrinidae. First described in 1895, it was historically known from Oklahoma and Texas, with a 2014 discovery marking the first record for Kansas. Unlike most Dineutus species that inhabit flowing water, this species has been found in small, shallow, stagnant pools with muddy bottoms and abundant emergent vegetation. It belongs to a genus characterized by large size (~10–12 mm), rounded elytral apices, and a hidden scutellum.
Dineutus shorti
whirligig beetle
Dineutus shorti is a species of whirligig beetle (family Gyrinidae) described in 2015 from the southeastern coastal plain of the United States. It represents the first unequivocally new species of whirligig beetle described from the U.S. since 1991. The species has an extremely restricted range, known only from a narrow section of the coastal plain in the Blackwater and Pensacola river watersheds of Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties, Florida and Covington County, Alabama. It was named in honor of aquatic coleopterist Andrew E. Z. Short.
Donacia caerulea
Donacia caerulea is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Donaciinae. It is native to North America, with confirmed records from Canadian provinces including Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Like other members of its genus, it is associated with freshwater aquatic habitats where its larvae develop on submerged vegetation.
Donacia cincticornis
Girdle-horned Pond Lily Leaf Beetle
Donacia cincticornis is a species of aquatic leaf beetle in the subfamily Donaciinae, characterized by its association with aquatic vegetation. The species is known from the Caribbean, Central America, and North America. Three subspecies have been described: D. c. cincticornis, D. c. tenuis, and D. c. tryphera. Like other members of the genus Donacia, it is closely tied to freshwater habitats.
Donacia confluenta
Confluent reed beetle
Donacia confluenta is a North American leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, commonly known as the confluent reed beetle. The species is distributed across much of Canada and the northern United States, with records from Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. As a member of the subfamily Donaciinae, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats and likely feeds on aquatic vegetation.
Donacia dissimilis
Donacia dissimilis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Donaciinae. Like other members of its genus, it is an aquatic or semi-aquatic beetle associated with freshwater habitats. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1925 and is known from North America.
Donacia edentata
Toothless pond lily leaf beetle
Donacia edentata is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, described by Schaeffer in 1919. The common name "toothless pond lily leaf beetle" refers to its edentate (toothless) condition and association with aquatic plants in the Nymphaeaceae family. Like other members of genus Donacia, it is adapted to life in freshwater habitats with submerged vegetation.
Donacia palmata
Palm-footed pond lily leaf beetle
Donacia palmata is an aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. It is found in North America, with distribution records from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario) and the broader North American continent. As a member of the subfamily Donaciinae, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. The species is commonly known as the Palm-footed pond lily leaf beetle.
Donacia piscatrix
Donacia cf. piscatrix is a reed beetle in the subfamily Donaciinae, recorded from Northern Ireland during 2023 coastal habitat surveys. The genus Donacia comprises aquatic leaf beetles associated with emergent vegetation in freshwater and brackish habitats. The specific epithet 'piscatrix' refers to the species' association with water, from Latin 'piscator' meaning fisher. The 'cf.' designation indicates probable but unconfirmed identification, reflecting the taxonomic challenges within this genus.
Donacia pubicollis
Donacia pubicollis is a species of leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, subfamily Donaciinae. It is currently treated as a synonym of Donaciella pubicollis. The species has been recorded in North America, specifically in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario. Records are sparse, with only four observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other members of the Donaciinae, it is likely associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Donacia rufescens
Donacia rufescens is a species of aquatic leaf beetle in the family Chrysomelidae. Members of the genus Donacia are typically associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats, where they feed on submerged and emergent vegetation. The 'cf.' notation in the record indicates tentative identification based on morphological similarity, pending definitive confirmation. The genus is notable for its ecological specialization on wetland plants and its role as an indicator of habitat quality.
Donacia subtilis
Donacia subtilis is a leaf beetle in the subfamily Donaciinae, commonly known as the aquatic leaf beetles. Species in this genus are associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats, typically feeding on submerged or emergent aquatic vegetation. Adults are often found on the leaves of host plants, while larvae develop in the roots and stems of aquatic plants. The species has been recorded across much of northern North America.
Donacia tuberculifrons
Tubercle-faced reed beetle
Donacia tuberculifrons is a North American reed beetle in the leaf beetle family Chrysomelidae. It is one of numerous Donacia species associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation. The species is recognized by distinctive tuberculate projections on the frons. Records indicate presence in western and central Canada, with limited observational data available.
Dryops arizonensis
Dryops arizonensis is a species of long-toed water beetle in the family Dryopidae. It is found in North America. As a member of Dryopidae, it belongs to a family of aquatic beetles commonly associated with freshwater habitats. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1905.
Dubiraphia browni
Dubiraphia browni is a species of riffle beetle (family Elmidae) described by Hilsenhoff in 1973. As a member of the Elmidae, it belongs to a family of aquatic beetles adapted to living in fast-flowing freshwater habitats. The species is known from North America.
Dubiraphia minima
riffle beetle
Dubiraphia minima is a species of riffle beetle in the family Elmidae, first described by Hilsenhoff in 1973. As a member of this family, it is adapted to aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats in flowing water systems. The species is known from North America, with confirmed records from Manitoba and Ontario in Canada.
Dubiraphia parva
little dubiraphian riffle beetle
Dubiraphia parva is a species of riffle beetle in the family Elmidae, described by Hilsenhoff in 1973. It is found in North America. The species is commonly known as the little dubiraphian riffle beetle.
Dubiraphia quadrinotata
riffle beetle
Dubiraphia quadrinotata is a species of riffle beetle in the family Elmidae. It is found in North America. The specific epithet 'quadrinotata' suggests four spots or markings, though detailed morphological descriptions are not readily available in the provided sources.
Dubiraphia vittata
Banded Riffle Beetle
Dubiraphia vittata is a species of riffle beetle in the family Elmidae. It is found in North America, with records from Alberta and Manitoba in Canada. The species was originally described as Elmis vittata by Melsheimer in 1844. Riffle beetles in this family are typically associated with aquatic habitats, particularly flowing waters.
Dytiscus cordieri
Dytiscus cordieri is a predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae, first described by Aubé in 1838. It inhabits freshwater aquatic environments across North America, with confirmed records from western Canada including Alberta and British Columbia. As a member of the genus Dytiscus, it shares the characteristic adaptations of large diving beetles for underwater predation.
Elodes apicalis
Elodes apicalis is a species of marsh beetle in the family Scirtidae, first described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1866. The species is distributed in North America, with records from British Columbia, Canada. Like other members of Scirtidae, it is associated with moist or aquatic habitats. The genus Elodes is part of the diverse beetle family Scirtidae, commonly known as marsh beetles or minute marsh beetles due to their small size and habitat preferences.
Enicocerus
Enicocerus is a subgenus of minute moss beetles within the genus Ochthebius (family Hydraenidae). Species in this subgenus are small aquatic beetles associated with moist microhabitats in running water systems. The subgenus was established by Stephens in 1829 and is currently treated as valid. One documented species, Ochthebius (Enicocerus) colveranus, inhabits algae and moss growth on spray zones of rocks in streams.
Enochrus blatchleyi
Enochrus blatchleyi is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by Fall in 1924. It is distributed across eastern and central North America, with records from Canada (Manitoba) and multiple U.S. states spanning from the Northeast to the Gulf Coast. The species belongs to a genus of aquatic beetles commonly found in lentic freshwater habitats. It is among the less frequently documented Enochrus species, with limited observational data available.
Enochrus californicus
Enochrus californicus is a water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. The species was described by Horn in 1890. It occurs in aquatic and semi-aquatic habitats across western North America and Mexico. Like other members of the genus, it is associated with freshwater environments where it scavenges on decaying organic matter.
Enochrus cinctus
Water Scavenger Beetle
Enochrus cinctus is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae. It is native to North America, with documented records across much of the United States and southern Canada. As a member of the Hydrophilidae, it is an aquatic beetle associated with freshwater habitats. The species was originally described by Thomas Say in 1824 under the basionym Hydrobius cinctus.
Enochrus consors
Enochrus consors is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1863. The species is broadly distributed across eastern and central North America. As a member of the genus Enochrus, it belongs to a group of aquatic beetles commonly known as water scavenger beetles.
Enochrus cristatus
Enochrus cristatus is a species of water scavenger beetle in the family Hydrophilidae, described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1855. The species is native to western North America, with records from the southwestern United States and Mexico. As a member of the Hydrophilidae, it is associated with aquatic or semi-aquatic habitats. Very little published biological information is available for this specific species.