Hydrophilidae
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 Hydrous piceus
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Hydrophilidae is a family of chiefly aquatic beetles. One subfamily, Sphaeridinae, is terrestrial. Aquatic hydrophilids are notable for their long maxillary palpi, which are longer than their antennae.
The occasionally-used vernacular name water scavenger beetles is not an accurate description of their 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.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- John L. Foltz (2001-06-08). Family Identification — Hydrophilidae. University of Florida.
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