Hydrophilus palpalis

Hydrophilus palpalis
Hydrophilus palpalis from Argentina
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Hydrophilidae
Genus: Hydrophilus
Species: H. palpalis
Binomial name
Hydrophilus palpalis
Brullé , 1838

Hydrophilus palpalis is a species of water scavenger beetles belonging to the Hydrophilidae family.

Hydrophilus palpalis. Illustration from Voyage dans l'Amérique Méridionale (1835) by Alcide d'Orbigny

Some authors have included this species in a distinct genus (Diboloceus), but most of them consider Diboloceus just a subgenus of Hydrophilus (Hydrophilus (Dibolocelus) palpalis).[1][2]

Description and behavior

This large species has an oval and moderately convex body. The basic color of the body is dark brown or black. Antennae are 9-segmented. Prosternum is well developed, divided into two lobes. Elytra show ten extremely fine striae. Hind femora are glabrous.[1] [2]

These beetles are adapted for aquatic life. The first-stage larvae and the adults are excellent swimmers. Adults are mainly vegetarian while the larvae are carnivorous and have a preference for molluscs.[3]

Distribution and habitat

This species can be found in South America in aquatic habitat, especially in rice cultivations (Oryza sativa).[4][5]

Bibliography

References

Wikispecies has information related to: Hydrophilus palpalis
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hydrophilus palpalis.
  1. 1 2 Roberto Arce-Pérez y Miguel Ángel Morón The genus Hydrophilus (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilina) in Mexico and Central America Instituto de Ecología, A. C.
  2. 1 2 Hansen, M. 1991 The hydrophilid beetles: phylogeny, classification and a revision of the genera (Coleoptera, Hydrophiloidea) Biologiske skrifter, 40 ISSN 0366-3612 ISBN 87-7304-226-9
  3. Marcia Maria Dosciatti de Oliveira, Juan Antonio Regil Cueto, Cristiano Dalla-Rosa and Leonardo Henrique Matias ASPECTOS DA BIOLOGIA DE Hydrophilus (Dibolocelus) palpalis Brullé, 1837 (COLEOPTERA : HYDROPHILIDAE) Universidade de Caxias do Sul - UCS
  4. Marcia Maria Dosciatti de Oliveira Coleópteros aquáticos da família Hydrophilidae associados à cultura de Arroz irrigado
  5. ECO registros


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