Hydrophilus insularis
This record describes Hydrophilus insularis (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very similar to H. triangularis . Male protarsus greatly expanded; female elytral apices with fine tooth; medial glabrous area on ventral tergites as shown in Short and McIntosh 2014.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Hydrophiloidea
- Family
- Hydrophilidae (Water Scavenger Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydrophilinae
- Tribe
- Hydrophilini
- Genus
- Hydrophilus (Giant Water Scavenger Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
soutern US (southern AZ, southern TX, FL peninsula) to South America
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hydrophilus insularis Laporte de Castelnau 1840
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hydrophilus insularis. 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 Hydrophilus insularis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn | Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrophilus insularis
What is Hydrophilus insularis?
Hydrophilus insularis is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hydrophilus insularis?
35-40 mm
How do you identify Hydrophilus insularis?
Very similar to H. triangularis . Male protarsus greatly expanded; female elytral apices with fine tooth; medial glabrous area on ventral tergites as shown in Short and McIntosh 2014.
Where is Hydrophilus insularis found?
Range: soutern US (southern AZ, southern TX, FL peninsula) to South America