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Great Silver Water Beetle

Great Silver Water Beetle

Hydrophilus piceus

A species of Hydrophilus, Also known as Great silver beetle

This beetle is among the largest aquatic insects. Adults can reach up to 5–5.15 cm (1.97–2.03 in) in length and 2.05 cm (0.81 in) in width. The larvae is up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long. The body of adults is black with a greenish or olive sheen. It has protruding eyes and reddish-black antennae.

General Info About Great Silver Water Beetle
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Attributes of Great Silver Water Beetle
Colors
Brown
Black
Habitat
Ditch; marshy area; drain; coastal grazing marsh
Adult Food Sources
Algae, plant material, invertebrates, detritus, small dead animals
Larva Food Source
Aquatic larvae, small fish, tadpoles, insect eggs, dead animals
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Predators of Great Silver Water Beetle Larvae
Birds, frogs, fish, predacious diving beetles, water striders, backswimmers, dragonfly nymphs
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Predators of Adult Great Silver Water Beetle
Birds, fish, turtles, larger beetles, various aquatic insects
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Interesting Facts About Great Silver Water Beetle
Great Silver Water Beetle is capable of flight, embarking on nocturnal journeys to find new habitats or mates, displaying impressive navigation skills.
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Scientific Classification of Great Silver Water Beetle
Tips for Finding Great Silver Water Beetle
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Youth Habitat of Great Silver Water Beetle
Freshwater Habitats
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Adult Habitat of Great Silver Water Beetle
Freshwater Habitats
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How Can You Attract Great Silver Water Beetle
For great Silver Water Beetle, no specific bait or food is commonly used to trap them since they are often predatory or scavengers in their aquatic environment.
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Habitat Preferences of Great Silver Water Beetle Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of great Silver Water Beetle are typically laid on vegetation in or near freshwater bodies like ponds or marshes. Larvae can be found beneath the water surface where they reside in the sediment, feeding on various organic matter or small invertebrates. To observe larvae, one would search the muddy bottom of these aquatic environments. Pupation usually occurs in adjacent moist soil or detritus near the water's edge, so the search for pupae should be concentrated in these damp terrestrial areas. Adults are aquatic as well and are often found on the water surface or among aquatic plants. They are strong fliers too, so they might occasionally be located near the water bodies they inhabit.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Great Silver Water Beetle
The best time to find adult great Silver Water Beetle is usually at night, when they are more active and may come to the water surface or fly to new habitats.
Are Great Silver Water Beetle harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Great Silver Water 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
Bioindicators
Decomposers
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Great Silver Water Beetle is a formidable predator in aquatic ecosystems. During its larval stage, it aggressively captures and consumes various soft-bodied invertebrates. As an adult, its predatory habits continue, including a diet consisting primarily of larvae of other insects, tadpoles, and occasionally small fish. These behaviors help to regulate the populations of aquatic pests.
Bioindicators
Stage
Adults, Larvae
Great Silver Water Beetle, with its larval and adult stages, serves as a sensitive environmental indicator. The larvae's presence signifies clean aquatic systems, as they require well-oxygenated water. Conversely, adults' adaptability to polluted water reflects ecological stress. Utilizing great Silver Water Beetle for biomonitoring provides insights into aquatic health, allowing for early detection of environmental degradation.
Decomposers
Stage
Adults
Larvae
Great Silver Water Beetle are vital contributors to aquatic ecosystems, breaking down organic matter into simpler substances. Their larvae are especially adept at decomposing dead animals and plant matter, whereas adults continue this role and also consume animal feces. These actions recycle nutrients, purify water, and are a crucial part of the food web. Remarkably, great Silver Water Beetle utilizes the decomposition process for nutritional gains, demonstrating efficient ecosystem servicing.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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