Dytiscus circumcinctus
This record describes Dytiscus circumcinctus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Large and elongate, sometimes with a greenish sheen; ventral surface mostly yellow without expanded black markings on abdominal sterna (margins of sterna narrowly black); metacoxal lobes acuminate (pointed); inner margins of the eyes rimmed with yellow . Females can either be sulcate (w/ ridged elytra) or not .
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
Geographic Range
holarctic, transcontinental in both n. Eurasia and n. NA (south to WA in the west and NC in the east; most frequent in the Northern Great Plains, AB-MB)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dytiscus circumcinctus (Ahrens 1811)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dytiscus circumcinctus. 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 Dytiscus circumcinctus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dytiscus circumcinctus
What is Dytiscus circumcinctus?
Dytiscus circumcinctus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dytiscus circumcinctus?
27.5-34.0 mm
How do you identify Dytiscus circumcinctus?
Large and elongate, sometimes with a greenish sheen; ventral surface mostly yellow without expanded black markings on abdominal sterna (margins of sterna narrowly black); metacoxal lobes acuminate (pointed); inner margins of the eyes rimmed with yellow . Females can either be sulcate (w/ ridged elytra) or not .
Where is Dytiscus circumcinctus found?
Range: holarctic, transcontinental in both n. Eurasia and n. NA (south to WA in the west and NC in the east; most frequent in the Northern Great Plains, AB-MB)