ColeopteraDytiscidae – Predaceous Diving Beetles

Hydroporus rectus

This record describes Hydroporus rectus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Hydroporus rectus - Hydroporus rectus
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Bbarnd

See Larson et al. for a detailed description.

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Adephaga
Family
Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
Subfamily
Hydroporinae
Tribe
Hydroporini
Genus
Hydroporus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Larson states this is a characteristic species of peatlands, especially bogs. Often among sphagnum mosses or emergent Carex .

Geographic Range

Newfoundland to Alaska. Type specimen from Hermit Lake, NH. State/Province Records: CAN: AB, BC, LB, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, ON, QC, SK, YK USA: AK, MI, NH, WI

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hydroporus rectus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Hydroporus rectus (5)

Hydroporus rectus - photo 1
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Hydroporus rectus - photo 2
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Hydroporus rectus - photo 3
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Hydroporus rectus - photo 4
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Bbarnd
Hydroporus rectus - photo 5
Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Bbarnd

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Bbarnd

Frequently Asked Questions About Hydroporus rectus

What is Hydroporus rectus?

Hydroporus rectus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Hydroporus rectus?

4.2 to 4.7 mm

How do you identify Hydroporus rectus?

See Larson et al. for a detailed description.

Where is Hydroporus rectus found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatLarson states this is a characteristic species of peatlands, especially bogs. Often among sphagnum mosses or emergent Carex .
RangeNewfoundland to Alaska. Type specimen from Hermit Lake, NH. State/Province Records: CAN: AB, BC, LB, MB, NB, NF, NS, NT, ON, QC, SK, YK USA: AK, MI, NH, WI

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Bbarnd. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.