Boreal Water Beetle
Dytiscus alaskanus
This record describes Dytiscus alaskanus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Relatively small for the genus; metacoxal lobes acuminate; abdominal sterna yellow with expanded black markings; sulcate (ridged) females with ridges separated by yellow striae, ridges 7 & 10 and 8 & 9 fused apically
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dytiscinae
- Genus
- Dytiscus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
lakes, ponds and bogs
Geographic Range
Transcontinental in the north as far south as Colorado
Seasonal Activity
Overwinter as adults in permanent waters
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dytiscus alaskanus J. Balfour-Browne 1944
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dytiscus alaskanus. 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 Boreal Water Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Boreal Water Beetle
What is Boreal Water Beetle?
Boreal Water Beetle (Dytiscus alaskanus) is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Boreal Water Beetle?
22.6‒32.0 mm
How do you identify Boreal Water Beetle?
Relatively small for the genus; metacoxal lobes acuminate; abdominal sterna yellow with expanded black markings; sulcate (ridged) females with ridges separated by yellow striae, ridges 7 & 10 and 8 & 9 fused apically
Where is Boreal Water Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | lakes, ponds and bogs |
| Range | Transcontinental in the north as far south as Colorado |
When is Boreal Water Beetle active?
Boreal Water Beetle: seasonal activity - Overwinter as adults in permanent waters.