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Hydroscaphidae
The Hydroscaphidae are a small family of water beetles known commonly as skiff beetles. As of 2010, there are 23 species in the family. Several are recently described. These beetles are small, most under in length. They are tan to brown in color and the elytra are abbreviated, leaving several tapering tergites of the abdomen exposed. The wings are fringed with long setae. The larvae are fusiform, with a wide thorax and a narrowing abdomen. Hydroscaphidae live on mats of algae with a thin layer of running water. This may be the accumulated algae lining the very edge of a stream of water. They tolerate a wide range of temperatures; they have been observed in hot springs and in icy snowmelt. The algae are their food source. The reproductive cycle is not well known. In at least one species, the female lays a single large egg on the algal mat. Hydroscaphid species have been reported from every continent except Antarctica. Genera: * ''Hydroscapha'' LeConte, 1874 * ''Scaphydra'' ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Myxophaga
Myxophaga is the second-smallest suborder of the Coleoptera after Archostemata, consisting of roughly 65 species of small to minute beetles in four families. The members of this suborder are aquatic and semiaquatic, and feed on algae. Description Myxophaga have several diagnostic features: the antennae are more or less distinctly clubbed with usually fewer than nine segments, mesocoxal cavities are open laterally and bordered by a mesepimeron and metanepisternum, the hind wings are rolled apically in the resting positions. Internally, they are characterised by the presence of six malpighian tubules and the testes are tube-like and coiled. Beetles of this suborder are adapted to feed on algae. Their mouthparts are characteristic in lacking galeae and having a mobile tooth on their left mandible. Taxonomy There are four extant families in the suborder Myxophaga divided between two superfamilies, containing about 65 described species, and at least one extinct family. Superfami ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |