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Great diving beetle

Great diving beetle

Dytiscus marginalis

A species of Dytiscus

The great diving beetle gets its name from its large size and aquatic nature, where it preys on a variety of insects and even small fish. Before diving for prey or shelter, the beetle collects air bubbles underneath its wings. The great diving beetle is often found in slow-moving bodies of fresh water.

Bite Humans
Bite Humans
General Info About Great diving beetle
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Attributes of Great diving beetle
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
fresh water
Adult Food Sources
Insects, tadpoles, small fish, frogs, aquatic larvae
Larva Food Source
Tadpoles, fish fry, aquatic invertebrates, other insect larvae, worms
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Great diving beetle is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Great diving beetle typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Great diving beetle
It is native to Europe and northern Asia, and is particularly common in England.
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Distribution Area of Great diving beetle
Europe, northern Asia
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Appearance of Great diving beetle
The adults are generally 2.5 - 3.5 cm. They are dark-coloured (brown to black) on their back and wing cases (elytra) and yellow on their abdomen and legs. The male's wing cases are shiny, while those of the female are finely grooved. The first two pairs of legs of the male are equipped with numerous suction cups.
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How to Identify Great diving beetle?

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Life Cycle of Great diving beetle
Egg After oviposition, the eggs of great diving beetle, often laid underwater on plant surfaces, are oval and small. The color may vary but generally appears somewhat translucent or with a slight hue.
Larva Emerging from the eggs, great diving beetle larvae are elongated with a distinct head and sharp mandibles, used for predation. They are legged and their size increases with successive molts.
Pupal After the final larval stage, great diving beetle enters pupation. The pupa is quiescent, with developing adult features visible. It undergoes significant morphological transformations within a protective casing.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult great diving beetle's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Great diving beetle
2.5 - 3.5 cm
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Predators of Great diving beetle Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, fish, larger aquatic insects
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Predators of Adult Great diving beetle
Birds, fish, turtles, otters, large predatory diving beetles
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Interesting Facts About Great diving beetle
Great diving beetle's hind legs are fringed with hairs, transforming them into efficient paddles for swimming.
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Scientific Classification of Great diving beetle
Tips for Finding Great diving beetle
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Youth Habitat of Great diving beetle
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Great diving beetle
Freshwater Habitats
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How Can You Attract Great diving beetle
Great diving beetle can be attracted to baits such as raw meat due to their carnivorous diet during the larval and adult stages.
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Habitat Preferences of Great diving beetle Through Different Life Stages
The larvae of great diving beetle typically inhabit shallow, vegetated areas of freshwater bodies like ponds, marshes, or slow-moving streams, clinging to aquatic plants or hiding among debris on the substrate to ambush prey. To find them, one would carefully inspect these zones, especially during warmer months when larvae are active. Adults, on the other hand, are found in or around the same aquatic environments but are more mobile and can dive or fly, usually spotted swimming in open water or occasionally resting on floating vegetation. Searching for the adults involves either scouting the water surface or setting up light traps at night to attract flying individuals. Pupae are commonly located in moist soil or leaf litter near the water's edge, thus, searching requires gently digging or sifting through this material in proximity to their aquatic habitats.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Great diving beetle
The best time to find adult great diving beetle is at dusk or during the night when they are most active, while larvae can typically be found throughout the day.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Great diving beetle
Calm, warm weather is ideal for finding great diving beetle, as they prefer still or slow-moving water bodies without much turbulence.
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How and Where Can You Find Great diving beetle at Different Life Stages
Larva Great diving beetle larvae reside in water and can be spotted by gently sweeping a net through aquatic vegetation in ponds, ditches, or slow streams.
Pupal Great diving beetle pupae can be more challenging to observe as they are usually motionless and attached to underwater objects or vegetation. Carefully inspecting submerged objects or the vegetation at the edges of water bodies may reveal their presence.
Adult Great diving beetle adults are strong swimmers and can be found by setting up light traps near water bodies at night or by searching the water's surface with a flashlight during their active periods.
Are Great diving beetle harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Great diving beetle
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Bite Humans
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Bite Humans

Great diving beetle is not characteristic of biting humans. Encounters leading to bites are rare and typically occur unintentionally, such as when a human mishandles the insect. The bites might be a defensive response, causing mild discomfort but are not known for serious consequences.

More Effects of Great diving beetle

Beneficial Effects of Great diving beetle
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Aquatic Invertebrates, Insects
Great diving beetle acts as a voracious predator in aquatic environments. Both in its adult and larval stages, it uses its powerful mandibles to seize a variety of prey, demonstrating a particular appetite for insects, tadpoles, and small fish. By doing so, great diving beetle plays a critical role in regulating aquatic ecosystems and controlling pest populations.
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