ColeopteraHydrophilidae – Water Scavenger Beetles

Berosus aculeatus

This record describes Berosus aculeatus (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Berosus aculeatus - Berosus aculeatus
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar

elytral apices prolonged, especially in females, and usually with a small preapical tubercle near suture (best developed in females)

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Hydrophiloidea
Family
Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
Subfamily
Hydrophilinae
Tribe
Berosini
Genus
Berosus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

e US

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Berosus aculeatus LeConte 1855

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Berosus aculeatus. 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 →

Photos of Berosus aculeatus (5)

Berosus aculeatus - photo 1
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Berosus aculeatus - photo 2
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Berosus aculeatus - photo 3
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Berosus aculeatus - photo 4
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Berosus aculeatus - photo 5
Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar

Frequently Asked Questions About Berosus aculeatus

What is Berosus aculeatus?

Berosus aculeatus is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Berosus aculeatus?

3.5-4.5 mm

How do you identify Berosus aculeatus?

elytral apices prolonged, especially in females, and usually with a small preapical tubercle near suture (best developed in females)

Where is Berosus aculeatus found?

Range: e US

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.