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Predaceous Diving Beetle - A. mediatus (Acilius mediatus)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Predaceous Diving Beetle - A. mediatus


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This beetle was made for the water, and it's a fast and agile swimmer in ponds, streams, and lakes.



Updated: 02/08/2022; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Predaceous Diving Beetles are also called water tigers. They eat a variety of aquatic prey like other insect larvae and naiads. This species has feathery legs that help it navigate through water. It is oval shaped and small. A gold sheen covers the head and upper half of the body, while the lower black half is decorated with a bright golden yellow zigzag line that crosses the bottom of the wing coverings. Smaller flecks of golden color are also seen closer to the tip of the abdomen. A dark 'M'-shaped line is stamped on the top of the head, and a dark line almost completely crosses the pronotum (neck area). Males have feet shaped like discs. Larvae look like armored worms with large pincers at the face.

When resting, this beetle may sit just under the water?s surface with its rear up sticking up. It is able to trap air bubbles under the elytra or wing coverings. It moves fluidly and quickly. It does have wings and can fly. This is useful in finding other freshwater habitats, even temporary ones created by rain or flooding. Look for them in small and large bodies of freshwater, especially near vegetation that grows out of the water. These areas are usually rich with small aquatic life.©InsectIdentification.org




Known Diet of the Predaceous-Diving-Beetle-Acilius



aquatic insects
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General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Coleoptera
        Family: Dytiscidae
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          Genus: Acilius
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            Species: mediatus

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Acilius mediatus
Category: Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 10mm to 16mm (0.39" to 0.62")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: black; yellow; gold
Descriptors: swimming; fins; gold zigzag; gold bottom; letter M on head; golden; water


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 10mm (0.4in) and 16mm (0.6in)
Lo: 10mm
Md: 13mm
Hi: 16mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
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Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Predaceous Diving Beetle - A. mediatus may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Predaceous Diving Beetle - A. mediatus. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
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