Explanation of Names
DISINTEGRATUS: from "dis" (not) + "integer" (whole) - probably a reference to the interrupted stripe on each elytron
Identification
Adult: head and pronotum reddish; elytra yellowish to brown with 3 blackish longitudinal stripes on each elytron, the middle stripe interrupted near the anterior end (a distinguishing feature)
Larva: whitish with sclerotized areas yellowish-brown; head subquadrate, widest near eyes; antennae 4-segmented; abdominal segments 6 to 8 completely sclerotized; segment 8 with siphon one-fourth length of segment; cerci 2-segmented; femora longer than tibiae, without swimming hairs
[adapted from description at Discover Life in America]
Range
throughout United States; restricted in Canada to ON, QC, and BC
Habitat
ponds and temporary pools in open areas with emergent vegetation; sometimes found in marshes and rivers
Season
adults active from spring to fall in permanent waters; in temporary ponds that dry up, adults estivate during summer
Food
larvae and adults prey on other aquatic invertebrates such as Daphnia, and midge and mosquito larvae
Life Cycle
one generation per year; overwinters as a larva
Internet References
pinned adult image plus description of adult and larva, distribution, habitat, biology (Charles Staines, Discover Life in America, dlia.org)
live adult image (West Chester U., Pennsylvania)
Contributed by
Robin McLeod on 24 March, 2005 - 11:21pm
Last updated 23 December, 2006 - 8:48pm
