ColeopteraDytiscidae – Predaceous Diving Beetles

Cybister explanatus

This record describes Cybister explanatus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Cybister explanatus - Cybister explanatus
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Adephaga
Family
Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
Subfamily
Cybistrinae
Genus
Cybister

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

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

Southern Oregon to Chiapas, Mexico

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Cybister explanatus LeConte, 1852

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cybister explanatus. 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 Cybister explanatus (5)

Cybister explanatus - photo 1
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Cybister explanatus - photo 2
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Cybister explanatus - photo 3
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Cybister explanatus - photo 4
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Cybister explanatus - photo 5
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar

Photo credits: Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar

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

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