Water scavenger beetle
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 Hydrous piceus
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About 160; see text. |
The water scavenger beetles are a family (Hydrophilidae) of beetles that are mostly aquatic, but includes a terrestrial subfamily(Sphaeridiinae). Aquatic hydrophilids are notable for their long maxillary palpi, which are longer than their antennae.
The common name of the family is not actually an accurate description of habit. With rare exceptions, the larvae are predatory while the adults may be vegetarians or predators in addition to scavenging. Many species are able to produce sounds.
Species of Hydrophilus are reported as pests in fish hatcheries, while Helophorus larvae may damage wheat, turnips, rutabagas, and rapeseed. Other species are voracious consumers of mosquito larvae, and have potential as biological controls.
The 1999 catalog by M. Hansen lists 2,803 species in 161 genera.
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