COLEOPTERA: Hydrophilidae

Members of the family Hydrophilidae are often called water scavenger beetles. Both larvae and adults are predators (despite their common name). Their maxillary palps are often longer than their antennae. There are over 2,800 species known worldwide.

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Hydrophilus ovatus Gemminger & Harold, 1868. Adults of species of Hydrophilus are often attracted to light at night. They require fresh water to reproduce. Adults hold an air bubble under their front wings which is accessed when they need oxygen. To replenish this bubble, adult beetles break the water surface with their maxillary palps. This specimen was collected by Mark DuBois in Peoria Co., Illinois.