Hydroporus palustris

Sechsfleckiger dwarf float ( Hydroporus palustris)

The Sechsfleckige or Common Dwarf float ( Hydroporus palustris) is a beetle of the family of diving beetles ( Dytiscidae ).

Features

The Beetle 3 to 3.2 millimeters long and have an elongated and oval body. Abdomen, pronotum and head go smoothly into one another. The head is brown and wears close to the eyes of a dark spot. The pronotum is yellow on the sides, otherwise black and dark brown wing covers are edged with yellow. The coloring is more variable and can vary from almost yellow to almost black. The antennae are relatively long and filiform. There are long bristles, which are used as a rudder for locomotion on the hind legs.

Occurrence

The animals come in all of Europe, Asia Minor and the Caucasus, east to Siberia before. They are also found in the far north and at high altitude. They are widespread and common. They live mainly in stagnant water in rivers they are rare to find.

Way of life

The animals swim and dive very quickly, which will allow them through the streamlined body shape. They feed on small invertebrates. The prey is crushed by the mandibles and digested in the crop. As the animals need air to breathe, they must occasionally to the surface. On the renewal of the air supply, which is located under the elytra, they stretch then the rear end of the body from the water. To seek out new habitats, fly the beetle also across the country. They overwinter under water as Imago.

The larva begins in the water also small invertebrates, into which it injects digestive juices. Then she sucks the prey. After some time the larva sets out of the water at a dolls cradle. From the doll slips of finished beetle.