Sunburst Diving Beetle
Thermonectus marmoratus
This record describes Thermonectus marmoratus (species). Recorded family: Dytiscidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Ejects a milky fluid from its prothoracic defensive glands when disturbed, containing a mixture of steroid compounds, presumably as a deterrent to fish predators (Meinwald et al. 1998). The main steroid compound in the defensive secretion is a novel compound called Mirasorvone; named for the actress Mira Sorvino, who as Dr. Susan Tyler in the motion picture Mimic, successfully confronted the ultimate insect challenge (Meinwald et al. 1998)
Wikipedia reference for Thermonectus marmoratus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermonectus_marmoratus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Adephaga
- Family
- Dytiscidae (Predaceous Diving Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dytiscinae
- Tribe
- Aciliini
- Genus
- Thermonectus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Prefers pool habitats in temporary or intermittent streams (Velasco and Millan 1998)
Geographic Range
s. CA to c. TX / s. Mex.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Eats dead organisms found on the surface film or the bottom, engulfing small items and chewing large ones (Velasco and Millan 1998)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: marmoratus (G). 'marble; sparkle, glisten'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Thermonectus marmoratus. 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 Sunburst Diving Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Sean McCann; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Sunburst Diving Beetle
What is Sunburst Diving Beetle?
Sunburst Diving Beetle (Thermonectus marmoratus) is a species in the family Dytiscidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Sunburst Diving Beetle?
11.4 to 14.0 mm
Where is Sunburst Diving Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Prefers pool habitats in temporary or intermittent streams (Velasco and Millan 1998) |
| Range | s. CA to c. TX / s. Mex. |
What does Sunburst Diving Beetle eat?
The diet of the Sunburst Diving Beetle includes Eats dead organisms found on the surface film or the bottom, engulfing small items and chewing large ones (Velasco and Millan 1998).