Giant Green Water Beetle
Dytiscus marginicollis
This record describes Dytiscus marginicollis (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Identification notes
Diagnosis
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
Most halophilic member of the genus; found regularly in semipermanent saline ponds in grassland habitats , less commonly so in nonsaline permanent ponds ; also reported from hot springs (NV, WY) ; like other members of the genus, tends to occur at higher elevations in the southern parts of its range (e.g. 2500 m in AZ)
Geographic Range
mainly western; in North America, from southern British Columbia east to Manitoba south to CA, AZ, and NM. Southernmost record was from Durango state in Mexico .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dytiscus marginicollis (LeConte 1845)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dytiscus marginicollis. 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 Giant Green Water Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh
Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Green Water Beetle
How big is Giant Green Water Beetle?
26.7-33 mm
How do you identify Giant Green Water Beetle?
Diagnosis
Where is Giant Green Water Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Most halophilic member of the genus; found regularly in semipermanent saline ponds in grassland habitats , less commonly so in nonsaline permanent ponds ; also reported from hot springs (NV, WY) ; like other members of the genus, tends to occur at higher elevations in the southern parts of its range (e.g. 2500 m in AZ) |
| Range | mainly western; in North America, from southern British Columbia east to Manitoba south to CA, AZ, and NM. Southernmost record was from Durango state in Mexico . |