Hydaticus piceus
This record describes Hydaticus piceus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar in terms of body and frons colouration to H. cinctipennis but lacks the sharply defined yellow margin on the elytron seen in the latter species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dytiscinae
- Tribe
- Hydaticini
- Genus
- Hydaticus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AB‒NS to ND‒MO‒PA
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hydaticus piceus LeConte 1863
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hydaticus piceus. 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 Hydaticus piceus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydaticus piceus
What is Hydaticus piceus?
Hydaticus piceus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hydaticus piceus?
11.6‒14.0 mm
How do you identify Hydaticus piceus?
Very similar in terms of body and frons colouration to H. cinctipennis but lacks the sharply defined yellow margin on the elytron seen in the latter species.
Where is Hydaticus piceus found?
Range: AB‒NS to ND‒MO‒PA