Size
adult body length 22-28 mm
Identification
only the anterior and lateral margins of pronotum are bordered by a broad pale stripe (posterior margin not bordered); lateral margin of elytron bordered by broad pale stripe on basal half only
remainder of dorsal surface brown, brownish-black, or green; ventral surface yellow to reddish except metacoxa yellow and metasternum brownish-black medially
Range
Yukon to Nova Scotia, south in the east to Illinois and Indiana
Habitat
permanent ponds and marshes with sedges; found on or among aquatic plants
Season
adults from April to November
Food
larvae and adults prey on fish larvae, mosquito larvae in spring, and other aquatic invertebrates
Life Cycle
overwinters as an adult in permanent waters; mates in late fall or early spring; one generation per year
See Also
pinned adult images of 8 other
Dytiscus species [page one of two] (U. of Alberta)
D. verticalis is larger (33-35 mm), has yellow stripes on its elytra, and is black underneath (
enature.com)
Internet References
pinned adult image by M. Edgar, plus description, distribution, biology, etc. (U. of Alberta)
common name reference [Understriped Diving Beetle] plus distinguishing characteristics of several other
Dytiscus species (enature.com)
