Agabus antennatus
This record describes Agabus antennatus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males are most easily identified by the enlarged terminal antennal segments. Colour on both sexes identical- head and pronotum reddish to yellowish brown, elytra darker brown with pale lateral and basal margins. Ventral side of head reddish brown, the rest piceous. Antennae and palps basally pale, darkened (infuscate) apically. The only other Neartic Agabus species with clubbed antennae is A. clavicornis which is generally larger in size (to ~10 mm) and has a more northerly distribution (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alaska) . Both species are considered to be part of the Agabus clavicornis species group.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Agabinae
- Tribe
- Agabini
- Genus
- Agabus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In lentic habitats where there is abundant emergent vegetation.
Geographic Range
Transcontinental in Canada, most common in the western interior and the Great Plains, scattered records in Ontario. In the US, mostly found in the western and central states, absent in the east .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Agabus antennatus Leech 1939
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agabus antennatus. 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 Agabus antennatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh
Frequently Asked Questions About Agabus antennatus
What is Agabus antennatus?
Agabus antennatus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Agabus antennatus?
6.6-8 mm
How do you identify Agabus antennatus?
Males are most easily identified by the enlarged terminal antennal segments. Colour on both sexes identical- head and pronotum reddish to yellowish brown, elytra darker brown with pale lateral and basal margins. Ventral side of head reddish brown, the rest piceous. Antennae and palps basally pale, darkened (infuscate) apically. The only other Neartic Agabus species with clubbed antennae is A. clavicornis which is generally larger in size (to ~10 mm) and has a more northerly distribution (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Alaska) . Both species are considered to be part of the Agabus clavicornis species group.
Where is Agabus antennatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In lentic habitats where there is abundant emergent vegetation. |
| Range | Transcontinental in Canada, most common in the western interior and the Great Plains, scattered records in Ontario. In the US, mostly found in the western and central states, absent in the east . |