Acilius sulcatus
This record describes Acilius sulcatus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A large water beetle with considerable colour variation. Although it is a distinctively marked species, there are some very similar species and care is needed with identification. Length 15-18mm, broad oval shape. Pronotum pale with two transverse dark markings. Sexually dimorphic - males elytra smooth smooth but with four broad longitudinal and densely pubescent grooves delimited by raised ridges in females. Hind femora with dark markings in inner half (c.f. A. canaliculatus - hind femora are entirely pale). Temporary and permanent water bodies such as ponds and streams etc. A.sulcatus is able to fly it is not restricted to a single body of water. It is found in water bodies with high and low levels of vegetation showing no preference between the two. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Acilius sulcatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acilius_sulcatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Dytiscidae
- Genus
- Acilius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Temporary and permanent water bodies such as ponds and streams etc. A.sulcatus is able to fly it is not restricted to a single body of water. It is found in water bodies with high and low levels of vegetation showing no preference between the two.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Acilius sulcatus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Acilius sulcatus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Acilius sulcatus
What is Acilius sulcatus?
Acilius sulcatus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Acilius sulcatus found?
Habitat: Temporary and permanent water bodies such as ponds and streams etc. A.sulcatus is able to fly it is not restricted to a single body of water. It is found in water bodies with high and low levels of vegetation showing no preference between the two.
When is Acilius sulcatus active?
Acilius sulcatus: seasonal activity - All year round..