Giant Black Water Beetle
Hydrophilus triangularis
This record describes Hydrophilus triangularis (species). Recorded family: Hydrophilidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to the usually smaller and less oblong H. (Dibolocelus) ovatus (which is more common southward), but the prosternum is undivided
Wikipedia reference for Hydrophilus triangularis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrophilus_triangularis.
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
Habitat
marshy lakes, weedy ponds, swales and streams; often found under parking lot lights
Geographic Range
transcontinental (BC-QC to FL-CA), less common in the northwest
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Aug in SC
Diet and Behavior
Diet: predator/herbivore (Moorhead et al. 1998)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hydrophilus triangularis Say 1823
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hydrophilus triangularis. 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 Giant Black Water Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Black Water Beetle
What is Giant Black Water Beetle?
Giant Black Water Beetle (Hydrophilus triangularis) is a species in the family Hydrophilidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Giant Black Water Beetle?
32-40 mm
How do you identify Giant Black Water Beetle?
Similar to the usually smaller and less oblong H. (Dibolocelus) ovatus (which is more common southward), but the prosternum is undivided
Where is Giant Black Water Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | marshy lakes, weedy ponds, swales and streams; often found under parking lot lights |
| Range | transcontinental (BC-QC to FL-CA), less common in the northwest |
What does Giant Black Water Beetle eat?
The diet of the Giant Black Water Beetle includes predator/herbivore (Moorhead et al. 1998).
When is Giant Black Water Beetle active?
Giant Black Water Beetle: seasonal activity - Apr-Aug in SC.