ColeopteraHaliplidae – Crawling Water Beetles

Haliplus nitens

This record describes Haliplus nitens (species). Recorded family: Haliplidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Haliplus nitens - Haliplus nitens
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov

Identification notes

Holotype

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Adephaga
Family
Haliplidae (Crawling Water Beetles)
Genus
Haliplus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

ponds

Geographic Range

transcontinental in the north, AK–NF south to TX

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Haliplus nitens LeConte 1850

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Haliplus nitens. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Haliplus nitens (2)

Haliplus nitens - photo 1
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov
Haliplus nitens - photo 2
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Haliplus nitens

How big is Haliplus nitens?

3.75–4.0 mm

How do you identify Haliplus nitens?

Holotype

Where is Haliplus nitens found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatponds
Rangetranscontinental in the north, AK–NF south to TX

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.