Hydrophilus palpalis

Hydrophilus palpalis is a species of water scavenger beetles belonging to the Hydrophilinae subfamily.

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

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

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
  1. Roberto Arce-Pérez y Miguel Ángel Morón The genus Hydrophilus (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilina) in Mexico and Central America Instituto de Ecología, A. C.
  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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