Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
incl. Georyssidae, Helophoridae, Hydrochidae, Spercheidae, Sphaeridiidae
Explanation of Names
Hydrophilidae Latreille 1802
Numbers
~260 spp. in 35 genera in our area
(1), ~3400 spp. in ~200 genera worldwide
(2)
Overview of our faunaadapted from(3); taxa not yet in the guide are marked (*)
Family Hydrophilidae
Tribe Chaetarthriini Chaetarthria
Tribe Laccobiini Laccobius
Tribe Sphaeridiini Sphaeridium
Size
1-40 mm
(1) (exotic spp. up to 50 mm)
Identification
Aquatic forms may superficially resemble Dysticidae but can be easily distinguished by antennae. Many have keeled sterna. The adults come up for air head first, and move hind legs alternately (Dysticidae come up for air tail first and move hind legs together, like oars)
Habitat
Mostly aquatic; Sphaeridiinae are terrestrial (in dung, compost, carrion, and other decaying organic matter). Habitats discussed in detail in
(10)Food
Some adults are scavengers and feed on dead plant and animal material, others are predatory. Larvae often predatory. Some terrestrial species feed on various decaying matter and associated maggots.
