Numbers
North America: 14 species
(1)Identification
Adults:
No visible scutellum
visible 5-segmented front and mesotarsi (unlike Hydroporinae, whose members have 4 visible tarsal segments- the 5th is hidden)
tip of metatibial (hind tibia) spurs emarginated (notched)- separates from the other Laccophiline genus Laccodytes which has the tip of the spurs acute (pointed).
Colour generally yellow to black, many with distinct blotches/maculations on the elytra, these may be solid or variously irrorate (freckled)
Range
widespread across North America, although generally more diverse in the southern US
(1)Habitat
mainly in standing water, some are found in sluggish streams
(1)Life Cycle
Univoltine-adults overwinter, larvae develop and mature in spring and summer
(1)Print References
Larson DJ, Y. Alarie, and RE Roughley. 2000. Predaceous Diving Beetles (Coleoptera: Dysticidae) of the Nearctic Region, with emphasis on the fauna of Canada and Alaska. pp.429-445
Internet References
Insects of Cedar Creek- image of
L. maculosus
Myrmecos.net- image of
L. pictus
atlas of beetles of Russia- illustrating several Palearctic species
Contributed by
Eric R. Eaton on 29 November, 2005 - 5:50pm
Additional contributions by
t.lohLast updated 23 February, 2009 - 12:16pm
