Hygrotus nigrolineatus
This record describes Hygrotus nigrolineatus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length ~4mm. Distinctive body pattern of dark longitudinal lines. Pronotum predominantly pale yellow but typically with a dark patch or smudge in the middle. First recorded in the UK on 1983. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required and the specimen should be examined with a microscope. In the comments box, state the key or ID method used and describe the size and identifying characters. Bare ponds without vegetation such as gravel pits or recent excavations. Often attracted to artificial lights at night. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Dytiscidae
- Genus
- Hygrotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Bare ponds without vegetation such as gravel pits or recent excavations. Often attracted to artificial lights at night.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hygrotus nigrolineatus. 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 Hygrotus nigrolineatus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Hygrotus nigrolineatus
What is Hygrotus nigrolineatus?
Hygrotus nigrolineatus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hygrotus nigrolineatus?
~4mm. Distinctive body pattern of dark longitudinal lines. Pronotum predominantly pale yellow but typically with a dark patch or smudge in the middle.
Where is Hygrotus nigrolineatus found?
Habitat: Bare ponds without vegetation such as gravel pits or recent excavations. Often attracted to artificial lights at night.