Hydrophilus ovatus
This record describes Hydrophilus ovatus (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
prosternum bilobed (undivided in Hydrophilus s. str., where other NA spp. belong) ; body broader and usually smaller than in H. triangularis the only member of the subgen. Dibolocelus in our area
Wikipedia reference for Hydrophilus ovatus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrophilus_ovatus.
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
e.NA (ON‒NH‒FL to KS‒TX)
Seasonal Activity
Apr‒Nov in SC ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: larvae feed on snails
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hydrophilus (Dibolocelus) ovatus (Gemminger & Harold 1868)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hydrophilus ovatus. 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 ovatus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tony DiTerlizzi; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hydrophilus ovatus
What is Hydrophilus ovatus?
Hydrophilus ovatus is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hydrophilus ovatus?
30‒35 mm
How do you identify Hydrophilus ovatus?
prosternum bilobed (undivided in Hydrophilus s. str., where other NA spp. belong) ; body broader and usually smaller than in H. triangularis
Where is Hydrophilus ovatus found?
Range: e.NA (ON‒NH‒FL to KS‒TX)
What does Hydrophilus ovatus eat?
The diet of the Hydrophilus ovatus includes larvae feed on snails.
When is Hydrophilus ovatus active?
Hydrophilus ovatus: seasonal activity - Apr‒Nov in SC ( 3 ).