Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Agabus disintegratus (Crotch)
Orig. Comb: Gaurodytes disintegratus Crotch 1873
Explanation of Names
disintegratus - "dis" (not) + "integer" (whole) - probably a reference to the interrupted stripe on each elytron
Numbers
Agabus disintegratus-group:
A. disintegratus
A. gringo
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
across US, except se and n. Rockies -
Map (1)(2)Habitat
in temporary open ponds, often where vegetation is sparse
(1)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
Remarks
members of this group possess a stridulatory organ
(1)Print References
Crotch, G.R. 1873. Revision of the Dytiscidae of the United States. Transactions of the American Entomological Society 4: 383-424.