Ilybius fuliginosus
This record describes Ilybius fuliginosus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
A 10 to 12 mm long dark brown bronze diving beetle with pale yellow stripes along the margins of the elytra. Permanent water which is vegetated, including rivers, canals, drainage ditches, ponds and lakes. It flies well and may be attracted to light.
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
Permanent water which is vegetated, including rivers, canals, drainage ditches, ponds and lakes. It flies well and may be attracted to light.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Predatory on aquatic insects.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ilybius fuliginosus. 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 fuliginosus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ilybius fuliginosus
What is Ilybius fuliginosus?
Ilybius fuliginosus is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Ilybius fuliginosus found?
Habitat: Permanent water which is vegetated, including rivers, canals, drainage ditches, ponds and lakes. It flies well and may be attracted to light.
When is Ilybius fuliginosus active?
Ilybius fuliginosus: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Ilybius fuliginosus?
Predatory on aquatic insects.