Chevrolat's Dytiscid
Copelatus chevrolati
This record describes Copelatus chevrolati (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Unique pattern of elytral striae Det. B. Mathison, 2010 Readily comes to lights
Wikipedia reference for Copelatus chevrolati: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copelatus_chevrolati.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Copelatinae
- Genus
- Copelatus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
A pioneer of lentic sites; also occurs in permanent bodies of water
Geographic Range
e. US to CA (ON-MI-WI to FL-CA) / Mex.
Seasonal Activity
Nearly year round in Texas (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Copelatus chevrolati Aubé 1838
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Copelatus chevrolati. 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 Chevrolat's Dytiscid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Chevrolat's Dytiscid
What is Chevrolat's Dytiscid?
Chevrolat's Dytiscid (Copelatus chevrolati) is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Chevrolat's Dytiscid?
5.3-6.7 mm
How do you identify Chevrolat's Dytiscid?
Unique pattern of elytral striae Det. B. Mathison, 2010
Where is Chevrolat's Dytiscid found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | A pioneer of lentic sites; also occurs in permanent bodies of water |
| Range | e. US to CA (ON-MI-WI to FL-CA) / Mex. |
When is Chevrolat's Dytiscid active?
Chevrolat's Dytiscid: seasonal activity - Nearly year round in Texas (BG data).
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