Understriped Diving Beetle
Dytiscus fasciventris
This record describes Dytiscus fasciventris (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
only the anterior and lateral margins of pronotum are bordered by a broad pale stripe (posterior margin not bordered); lateral margin of elytron bordered by broad pale stripe on basal half only remainder of dorsal surface brown, brownish-black, or green; ventral surface yellow to reddish except metacoxa yellow and metasternum brownish-black medially
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
permanent ponds and marshes with sedges; found on or among aquatic plants
Geographic Range
NS-YT south in the east to IN-IL
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Nov
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae and adults prey on fish larvae, mosquito larvae in spring, and other aquatic invertebrates
Life History
overwinters as an adult in permanent waters; mates in late fall or early spring; one generation per year
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dytiscus fasciventris Say 1824
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dytiscus fasciventris. 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 Understriped Diving Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony; Additional contributions by Robin McLeod , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Understriped Diving Beetle
What is Understriped Diving Beetle?
Understriped Diving Beetle (Dytiscus fasciventris) is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Understriped Diving Beetle?
22-28 mm
How do you identify Understriped Diving Beetle?
only the anterior and lateral margins of pronotum are bordered by a broad pale stripe (posterior margin not bordered); lateral margin of elytron bordered by broad pale stripe on basal half only remainder of dorsal surface brown, brownish-black, or green; ventral surface yellow to reddish except metacoxa yellow and metasternum brownish-black medially
Where is Understriped Diving Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | permanent ponds and marshes with sedges; found on or among aquatic plants |
| Range | NS-YT south in the east to IN-IL |
What does Understriped Diving Beetle eat?
The diet of the Understriped Diving Beetle includes larvae and adults prey on fish larvae, mosquito larvae in spring, and other aquatic invertebrates.
When is Understriped Diving Beetle active?
Understriped Diving Beetle: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov.
What is the life cycle of a Understriped Diving Beetle?
overwinters as an adult in permanent waters; mates in late fall or early spring; one generation per year