Hygrotus sellatus
This record describes Hygrotus sellatus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Species can be easily identified from the distinctive patterning of the elytra- there is distal brown blotch and a subhumeral spot on a pale background, the sutural margin is also dark; pronotum is dark, with paler anterolateral borders .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Hydroporinae
- Tribe
- Hygrotini
- Genus
- Hygrotus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Lentic- in both temporary and permanent ponds; can tolerate moderately saline conditions .
Geographic Range
In the Great Plains and boreal regions; from Yukon and Northwest Territories in the North south to New Mexico; absent in the east and the far west .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hygrotus sellatus (LeConte, 1866)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hygrotus sellatus. 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 sellatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Claude Tessier
Frequently Asked Questions About Hygrotus sellatus
What is Hygrotus sellatus?
Hygrotus sellatus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hygrotus sellatus?
2.8-3.5 mm
How do you identify Hygrotus sellatus?
Species can be easily identified from the distinctive patterning of the elytra- there is distal brown blotch and a subhumeral spot on a pale background, the sutural margin is also dark; pronotum is dark, with paler anterolateral borders .
Where is Hygrotus sellatus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Lentic- in both temporary and permanent ponds; can tolerate moderately saline conditions . |
| Range | In the Great Plains and boreal regions; from Yukon and Northwest Territories in the North south to New Mexico; absent in the east and the far west . |