Agabus bipustulatus
This record describes Agabus bipustulatus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
9.5-11.5mm. A very common black diving beetle with pale brown antennae and brown front legs. It has a smoothly rounded outline with elongate microsculpture within which is a mesh pattern. Favours still or stagnant water or sluggish bays in running water. Sometimes drawn to light or to the metallic paint of cars by polarised light (as in the image below). This is a carnivorous beetle which hunts small creatures in and on the water. Widespread and the commonest water beetle in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Agabus bipustulatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agabus_bipustulatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Dytiscidae
- Genus
- Agabus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Favours still or stagnant water or sluggish bays in running water. Sometimes drawn to light or to the metallic paint of cars by polarised light (as in the image below).
Seasonal Activity
The adult can be found all year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This is a carnivorous beetle which hunts small creatures in and on the water.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and the commonest water beetle in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agabus bipustulatus. 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 bipustulatus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agabus bipustulatus
What is Agabus bipustulatus?
Agabus bipustulatus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Agabus bipustulatus found?
Habitat: Favours still or stagnant water or sluggish bays in running water. Sometimes drawn to light or to the metallic paint of cars by polarised light (as in the image below).
When is Agabus bipustulatus active?
Agabus bipustulatus: seasonal activity - The adult can be found all year round..
What is the life cycle of a Agabus bipustulatus?
This is a carnivorous beetle which hunts small creatures in and on the water.