ColeopteraDytiscidae – Predaceous Diving Beetles

Agabus clavicornis

This record describes Agabus clavicornis (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Agabus clavicornis - Agabus clavicornis
Contributed by Tim Loh

Sexually dimorphic- males with clubbed antennae.

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 Carex bogs & pools .

Geographic Range

A northern species- found in the northern boreal zone and the arctic mainland Alaska, YK, NWT, n. BC east to MB (Hudson Bay)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agabus clavicornis. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Frequently Asked Questions About Agabus clavicornis

What is Agabus clavicornis?

Agabus clavicornis is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Agabus clavicornis?

8.7-9.8 mm

How do you identify Agabus clavicornis?

Sexually dimorphic- males with clubbed antennae.

Where is Agabus clavicornis found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatIn Carex bogs & pools .
RangeA northern species- found in the northern boreal zone and the arctic mainland Alaska, YK, NWT, n. BC east to MB (Hudson Bay)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.