Crawling Water Beetle - Peltodytes

Moved

Moved from Peltodytes muticus.
Thanks Mr. Epler. I guess that this should be placed in the genus page until one is identified from a specimen. Should all the other P. muticus be moved also?

… tom murray, 24 May, 2008 - 4:55pm

The only specimen that really

The only specimen that really appears to be a P. muticus is the one that is point-mounted. I can't be sure of the rest - I'd have to be a pervert and look at their genitalia (if they're males) ... :-)

… J. H. Epler, 26 May, 2008 - 2:30pm

I think this may be P. sexmac

I think this may be P. sexmaculatus. Note that the spots behind the coalescent median blotches are linear, not scattered ("confused"). BUT I would have to see the male genitalia to be sure.

I would not suggest using "D&A" to identify any water beetles.

… J. H. Epler, 24 May, 2008 - 2:24pm

Thanks Tim

I'm finding this to be a common species. There were about 20 that I found along with this one while sweeping a net in the water.

… tom murray, 4 April, 2008 - 4:18pm

fun too,

In High School I managed to capture their entire ecosystem in a one gallon pickle jar, which was then sealed. The plant/animal system stayed in balance for over a year, and these beetles were the most exciting part, as they wiggled up for air, then back down again to the mud. Fun! (I should try it again sometime)

… Tim R. Moyer, 4 April, 2008 - 10:28pm

keys to P. muticus

keys to P. muticus easily from D&A.

… Tim R. Moyer, 4 April, 2008 - 3:14pm