Ilybius fenestratus
This record describes Ilybius fenestratus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length approx. 11 mm. This species has dark colouration and a broad-oval shape which is widest behind the middle. 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. It usually inhabits the margins of larger water bodies, reservoirs, and canals etc. where the adults may be found among vegetation. Adults occur year-round, they are nocturnally active and thought to be flightless. The species overwinters, probably in the water, and individuals become active in the spring, feeding for a while before mating and ovipositing in the stems of marginal vegetation from May or June and during this time they may be active during the day. Larvae appear from July and develop in marginal situations, these will overwinter and produce adults the following summer and so the life-cycle is semivoltine, alternating between larvae and adults overwintering. Widespread and generally common through central and eastern England, very local and sporadic in the west and Wales and in Scotland known only from lochs in the southwest. No additional images available for this species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Dytiscidae
- Genus
- Ilybius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It usually inhabits the margins of larger water bodies, reservoirs, and canals etc. where the adults may be found among vegetation.
Seasonal Activity
Adults occur year-round, they are nocturnally active and thought to be flightless.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The species overwinters, probably in the water, and individuals become active in the spring, feeding for a while before mating and ovipositing in the stems of marginal vegetation from May or June and during this time they may be active during the day. Larvae appear from July and develop in marginal situations, these will overwinter and produce adults the following summer and so the life-cycle is semivoltine, alternating between larvae and adults overwintering.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and generally common through central and eastern England, very local and sporadic in the west and Wales and in Scotland known only from lochs in the southwest.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ilybius fenestratus. 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 Ilybius fenestratus (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ilybius fenestratus
What is Ilybius fenestratus?
Ilybius fenestratus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ilybius fenestratus?
approx. 11 mm. This species has dark colouration and a broad-oval shape which is widest behind the middle.
Where is Ilybius fenestratus found?
Habitat: It usually inhabits the margins of larger water bodies, reservoirs, and canals etc. where the adults may be found among vegetation.
When is Ilybius fenestratus active?
Ilybius fenestratus: seasonal activity - Adults occur year-round, they are nocturnally active and thought to be flightless..
What is the life cycle of a Ilybius fenestratus?
The species overwinters, probably in the water, and individuals become active in the spring, feeding for a while before mating and ovipositing in the stems of marginal vegetation from May or June and during this time they may be active during the day. Larvae appear from July and develop in marginal situations, these will overwinter and produce adults the following summer and so the life-cycle is semivoltine, alternating between larvae and adults overwintering.