Hydrophilidae
| Hydrophilidae | |
|---|---|
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| Hydrophilus piceus | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Infraorder: | Staphyliniformia |
| Superfamily: | Hydrophiloidea |
| Family: | Hydrophilidae Latreille, 1802 |
| Genera | |
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About 150 |
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Wikispecies has information related to: Hydrophilidae |
Hydrophilidae , also called water scavenger beetles, is a family of chiefly aquatic beetles. Aquatic hydrophilids are notable for their long maxillary palpi, which are longer than their antennae. Several of the former subfamilies of Hydrophilidae have recently been removed and elevated to family rank; Epimetopidae, Georissidae (= Georyssinae), Helophoridae, Hydrochidae, and Spercheidae (= Sphaeridiinae). Some of these formerly-included groups are primarily terrestrial or semi-aquatic.
The vernacular name water scavenger beetles is not an accurate description of their habit. With rare exceptions, the larvae are predatory while the adults may be vegetarians or predators in addition to scavenging. Many species are able to produce sounds.
Species of Hydrophilus are reported as pests in fish hatcheries. Other species are voracious consumers of mosquito larvae, and have potential as biological control agents.
A 1999 catalog by M. Hansen listed 2,803 species in 161 genera, but this included many taxa which are now in other families.
[edit] Selected species
[edit] External links
- John L. Foltz (2001-06-08). "Family Identification — Hydrophilidae". University of Florida. http://eny3005.ifas.ufl.edu/lab1/Coleoptera/Hydrophilid.htm.
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