Kingdom Animalia Class Insecta Family Hydrophilidae Rank Species | Phylum Arthropoda Order Coleoptera Genus Hydrophilus | |
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Similar Hydrophilus caschmirensis, Hydrophilus aterrimus, Hydrophilini, Hydrophilinae, Hydrophilus | ||
Hydrophilus palpalis is a species of water scavenger beetles belonging to the Hydrophilinae subfamily.
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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).
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.
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.
Distribution and habitat
This species can be found in South America in aquatic habitat, especially in rice cultivations (Oryza sativa).