Agabus didymus
This record describes Agabus didymus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
7.5 to 8.0 mm. Can be identified by its bronze colour and characteristic pale ‘N’ shaped elytral markings. Found in rivers, brooks, streams and canals. Widespread and frequent in the southern half of Britain, but less well recorded further north. No additional images available for this species.
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
Found in rivers, brooks, streams and canals.
Seasonal Activity
Most records between March and October.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and frequent in the southern half of Britain, but less well recorded further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Agabus didymus. 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 didymus (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agabus didymus
What is Agabus didymus?
Agabus didymus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Agabus didymus found?
Habitat: Found in rivers, brooks, streams and canals.
When is Agabus didymus active?
Agabus didymus: seasonal activity - Most records between March and October..