Hydrophilidae

Taxobox
name = Hydrophilidae


image_width = 250px
image_caption = "Hydrous piceus"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
ordo = Coleoptera
infraordo = Staphyliniformia
superfamilia = Hydrophiloidea
familia = Hydrophilidae
familia_authority = Latreille, 1802
subdivision_ranks = Genera
subdivision = About 160

Hydrophilidae is a family of chiefly aquatic beetles. One subfamily, Sphaeridinae, is terrestrial. Aquatic hydrophilids are notable for their long maxillary palpi, which are longer than their antennae.The occasionally-used vernacular name "water scavenger beetles" is not an accurate description of their habit. With rare exceptions, the larvae are predatory while the adults may be vegetarians or predators in addition to scavenging. Many species are able to produce sounds.

Species of "Hydrophilus" are reported as pests in fish hatcheries, while "Helophorus" larvae may damage wheat, turnips, rutabagas, and rapeseed. Other species are voracious consumers of mosquito larvae, and have potential as biological controls.

The 1999 catalog by M. Hansen lists 2,803 species in 161 genera.

ee also

*"Hydrochara caraboides"

External links

*cite web |url=http://eny3005.ifas.ufl.edu/lab1/Coleoptera/Hydrophilid.htm |title=Family Identification — Hydrophilidae |publisher=University of Florida |author=John L. Foltz |date=2001-06-08