Rhantus suturalis
This record describes Rhantus suturalis (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 10.5 to 12.5 mm. With a closer look at Rhantus suturalis the dense black punctuation of the elytra is visible; this punctuation on a golden yellow base gives the dark brown impression when seen from a normal distance. The beetle has a light yellow coloured margin, and a rhombus-shaped dot on the neck shield. Stillwater habitats, including newly created pools and pools that dry out in summer. It inhabits pools that dry out in summer, which are also the breeding places of mosquito larvae, which are the preferred food of this beetle. They can fly very well, and so easily escape from a pool which is drying out and migrate to another.
Wikipedia reference for Rhantus suturalis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhantus_suturalis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Dytiscidae
- Genus
- Rhantus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Stillwater habitats, including newly created pools and pools that dry out in summer.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It inhabits pools that dry out in summer, which are also the breeding places of mosquito larvae, which are the preferred food of this beetle. They can fly very well, and so easily escape from a pool which is drying out and migrate to another.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Quite common and widespread in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rhantus suturalis. 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 Rhantus suturalis (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhantus suturalis
What is Rhantus suturalis?
Rhantus suturalis is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Rhantus suturalis?
10.5 to 12.5 mm. With a closer look at
Where is Rhantus suturalis found?
Habitat: Stillwater habitats, including newly created pools and pools that dry out in summer.
When is Rhantus suturalis active?
Rhantus suturalis: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Rhantus suturalis?
It inhabits pools that dry out in summer, which are also the breeding places of mosquito larvae, which are the preferred food of this beetle. They can fly very well, and so easily escape from a pool which is drying out and migrate to another.