Elmis aenea
This record describes Elmis aenea (species). Recorded family: Elmidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A very small (2 mm) riffle beetle that is equipped with strong claws to enable it to grip in strong currents. It is a dark coloured species with very deeply ridged elytra. It is a water beetle of running water, but cannot swim and lives amongst stones, moss and algae. Late summer and autumn are the peak time. It does not need to surface for air as it breathes the trapped oxygen in submerged bubbles but it does leave the water at times and can fly.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Elmidae
- Genus
- Elmis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is a water beetle of running water, but cannot swim and lives amongst stones, moss and algae.
Seasonal Activity
Late summer and autumn are the peak time.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It does not need to surface for air as it breathes the trapped oxygen in submerged bubbles but it does leave the water at times and can fly.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and common in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Elmis aenea. 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 Elmis aenea (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elmis aenea
What is Elmis aenea?
Elmis aenea is a species in the family Elmidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Elmis aenea found?
Habitat: It is a water beetle of running water, but cannot swim and lives amongst stones, moss and algae.
When is Elmis aenea active?
Elmis aenea: seasonal activity - Late summer and autumn are the peak time..
What is the life cycle of a Elmis aenea?
It does not need to surface for air as it breathes the trapped oxygen in submerged bubbles but it does leave the water at times and can fly.