Vertical Diving Beetle
Dytiscus verticalis
This record describes Dytiscus verticalis (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult: pronotum with yellow border on lateral margins only; yellow lateral margin of elytra continues as an oblique line across apex; two tibial spurs on hindleg are approximately equal in size North Carolina State U. has 7 specimens in their collection but none were collected in North Carolina. Florida State Collection of Arthropods list of Dytiscidae has no Dytiscus species. Oklahoma State University has 2 D. verticalis specimens in their collection but there is no indication that the specimens were collected in Oklahoma.
Wikipedia reference for Dytiscus verticalis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dytiscus_verticalis.
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 or temporary freshwater ponds and pools
Geographic Range
ne NA - northeastern United States and southeastern Canada from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan
Seasonal Activity
adults from March to November
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae and adults prey on fish larvae, mosquito larvae, other aquatic invertebrates, and sometimes tadpoles and salamanders
Life History
one generation per year; overwinters as an adult in permanent waters
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dytiscus verticalis Say, 1823
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dytiscus verticalis. 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 Vertical Diving Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertical Diving Beetle
What is Vertical Diving Beetle?
Vertical Diving Beetle (Dytiscus verticalis) is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Vertical Diving Beetle?
adult body length 33-38 mm larva to about 50 mm
How do you identify Vertical Diving Beetle?
Adult: pronotum with yellow border on lateral margins only; yellow lateral margin of elytra continues as an oblique line across apex; two tibial spurs on hindleg are approximately equal in size
Where is Vertical Diving Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | permanent or temporary freshwater ponds and pools |
| Range | ne NA - northeastern United States and southeastern Canada from Nova Scotia to Saskatchewan |
What does Vertical Diving Beetle eat?
The diet of the Vertical Diving Beetle includes larvae and adults prey on fish larvae, mosquito larvae, other aquatic invertebrates, and sometimes tadpoles and salamanders.
When is Vertical Diving Beetle active?
Vertical Diving Beetle: seasonal activity - adults from March to November.
What is the life cycle of a Vertical Diving Beetle?
one generation per year; overwinters as an adult in permanent waters