Found in or near large ponds and lakes, the Predaceous Diving Beetle is dark green and hydrodynamic, suitable for a life mostly spent in the water. It may look like it only has two front legs, but its other 4 legs are underneath it, out of sight. The two back legs are flat like boards making them useful paddles that simultaneously propel the beetle forward in water. The front legs look like bent 'arms' and all legs have feathery hairs on them.
A Predaceous Diving Beetle feeds on other aquatic insects and creatures, including small tadpoles. Males use their paddle-like feet to secure the female for mating. Both genders fly very well outside of water and are attracted to lights at night. They are most active at night and can be seen moving from one water source to another (puddles, pools, ponds, flooded roads, etc.). Walking on pool furniture and patio sets is not unusual for the adventurous beetle.
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Predaceous Diving Beetle 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. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Colors: brown; yellow; black; green 
