Hydrochara soror
This record describes Hydrochara soror (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Often rusty below, sternal keel only slightly dilated--see print references and discussion here .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydrophilinae
- Tribe
- Hydrophilini
- Genus
- Hydrochara
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
varied: ponds, streams, ditches, margins of lakes, salt marshes.
Geographic Range
e US (TX-FL-CT-MN)
Seasonal Activity
February-November (South Carolina)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: soror (L). 'sister' - likely refers to it being a sister species to Hyrdocrhara obtusata , from which it was split .
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hydrochara soror. 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 Hydrochara soror (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrochara soror
What is Hydrochara soror?
Hydrochara soror is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hydrochara soror?
14-19 mm
How do you identify Hydrochara soror?
Often rusty below, sternal keel only slightly dilated--see print references and discussion here .
Where is Hydrochara soror found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | varied: ponds, streams, ditches, margins of lakes, salt marshes. |
| Range | e US (TX-FL-CT-MN) |
When is Hydrochara soror active?
Hydrochara soror: seasonal activity - February-November (South Carolina).