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Flyfishing Entomology |
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Life Stage Characteristics |
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Coleoptera |
Beetle (Aquatic) |
§ Head: usually distinct § Eyes: poorly developed § Mouthparts: for chewing, sometimes modified for sucking § Thoratic legs: usually present § Abdomen: 8-10 segmented § Lateral and/or terminal filiments may be present §
Instars: 3-8 |
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Pupa |
(no illustration
available) |
Adult § Head: has chewing mouthparts § Eyes: well developed § Forewings: modified into hardened covers § Tarsi: 3-5 segmented § Size: highly variable |
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| There
are (18) families of aquatic
beetles, which come in many shapes and sizes. The larva and adult illustrations above are
of predaceous diving beetles. Larvae usually have a distinct head, chewing mouthparts, and poorly developed eyes. Wing pads are absent, and thoracic legs are usually present. At maturity, different aquatic beetle species vary in size from 2 mm – 60 mm (2 2/5"). Pupae are mummy-like forms that are generally not aquatic. Adults are hard bodied and oval to elongate, with chewing mouthparts and well-developed eyes. The fore wings are hardened covers that usually meet and cover the hind wings and the abdomen. Depending on the species, they can vary in size from 1 mm - 40 mm (1 3/5"). |
Created: 08/04/2004 Last modified: 08/25/2006 www.FlyfishingEntomology.com
