Comal Springs Diving Beetle
Comaldessus stygius
This record describes Comaldessus stygius (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Diagnosis: Comaldessus stygius differs from all known North American bidessine species by the following combination of characters: Type Locality: TEXAS: Comal County, New Braunfels, Landa Park, Comal Spring 3, net near springhead, 10-14 Aug 1992, C.B. Barr Texas considers this a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydroporinae
- Tribe
- Bidessini
- Genus
- Comaldessus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
four main spring groups (Comal 1-4) from Edwards and associated limestones at the Comal Springs fault. (Spangler & Barr 1995)
Geographic Range
all known specimens from the Comal Springs complex, New Braunfels, Comal Co., TX - Map (Spangler & Barr 1995)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Comaldessus stygius Spangler & Barr, 1995 The generic name is a combination of Comal , in reference to Comal Springs, Texas, the type locality, and dessus , the suffix of the type genus of the tribe, Bidessus. The specific name stygius is derived from the Greek Styx, a river in the netherworld. (Spangler & Barr 1995)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Comaldessus stygius. 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 Comal Springs Diving Beetle (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Comal Springs Diving Beetle
What is Comal Springs Diving Beetle?
Comal Springs Diving Beetle (Comaldessus stygius) is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Comal Springs Diving Beetle?
Very small (length, 1.50 mm. & width, 0.71 mm.) (Spangler & Barr 1995)
How do you identify Comal Springs Diving Beetle?
Diagnosis: Comaldessus stygius differs from all known North American bidessine species by the following combination of characters:
Where is Comal Springs Diving Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | four main spring groups (Comal 1-4) from Edwards and associated limestones at the Comal Springs fault. (Spangler & Barr 1995) |
| Range | all known specimens from the Comal Springs complex, New Braunfels, Comal Co., TX - Map (Spangler & Barr 1995) |