Agabus nebulosus
This record describes Agabus nebulosus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A brown, sometimes mottled, medium-sized (7.5 to 8.3 mm) water beetle which may be very similar to Agabus conspersus. Agabus nebulosus differs mainly in having two dark spots on the pronotum which are visible in the field. It is only safe to conclude whether pronotal spots are present by examination of a reasonably dry insect. Agabus conspersus has pale olive elytra with the central area mottled darker and a uniformly pale pronotum. As an additional check, the undersides of the front and middle femora in conspersus are usually marked with a black patch – this is absent in nebulosus. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. 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
Pools and small water bodies.
Seasonal Activity
Recorded in most months of the year.
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 Agabus nebulosus. 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 nebulosus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Agabus nebulosus
What is Agabus nebulosus?
Agabus nebulosus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Agabus nebulosus found?
Habitat: Pools and small water bodies.
When is Agabus nebulosus active?
Agabus nebulosus: seasonal activity - Recorded in most months of the year..