Harris's Diving Beetle
Dytiscus harrisii
This record describes Dytiscus harrisii (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
transcontinental in Canada, also in the northeastern US and Alaska; most common in the east (in the Great Lakes region), rare in the west
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Predaceous; larvae reported to have a preference for larval caddisflies (See Leclair et al. 1986)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dytiscus harrisii (Kirby 1837)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dytiscus harrisii. 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 Harris's Diving Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Harris's Diving Beetle
How big is Harris's Diving Beetle?
32.4‒39 mm One of the largest North American dytiscids.
Where is Harris's Diving Beetle found?
Range: transcontinental in Canada, also in the northeastern US and Alaska; most common in the east (in the Great Lakes region), rare in the west
What does Harris's Diving Beetle eat?
The diet of the Harris's Diving Beetle includes Predaceous; larvae reported to have a preference for larval caddisflies (See Leclair et al. 1986).