Water Beetles

Water Beetles (order Coleoptera)	Diving water beetle larva	World species: 30,000
		Species in N.A. north of Mexico: 30,000 (1000 are aquatic)
		Source of name: live in or on water
		Nickname: "water bugs"

The Beetles constitute the largest and perhaps most highly advanced group of insects. They are generally hard-bodied, relatively large insects that have hardened wings that meet over the midline of the back. Metamorphosis is complete with vastly different appearances between immature and adult stages.

Water beetles occur as both larva and adults in a variety of aquatic environments. Water quality is not as critical as for other aquatic insects. They can be found in or on the substrate, in or on aquatic plants, or swimming on or beneath the water's surface.

To reveal larval form of these adults, place mouse over image

"Scavenger Beetles"			This widespread species occurs primarily in marginal waters of deep pools, ponds and lakes.
	larva = 4-60 mm	adult = 1-40 mm
"Crawling Water Beetles"			Found throughout the eastern & central states, primarily in shallow water with marginal quality and abundant algae.
	larva = 1-40 mm	adult 1-40 mm
"Diving Beetles"			Known as "water tigers" for their predacious behavior. Often found in muddy, leaf-choked margins of pools, ponds, lakes & streams of eastern North America.
	larva = 1-40 mm	adult = 1-40 mm
"Whirlagig Beetles"			Inhabits ponds & quiet waters of streams throughout North America. Adults often found in large schools on the surface.
	larva = 1-40 mm	adult 1-40 mm
"Water Penny"			Some of the most distinct aquatic insect larva. Most attach to stones in streams/rivers or lakes with lots of wave action. Adults not aquatic. Often a favorite of trout when present.
	larva = 4-6 mm	adult = 4-6 mm