Lesser silver water beetle  (Hydrochara caraboides)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Biology

Eggs are laid in spring or early summer, and the larvae are often found from May to July, floating just below the surface. Adults are herbivores and feed on decaying plant matter, but the larvae are carnivores, and feed on water snails. The adult beetles emerge during the summer and hibernate, but it is not clear whether this occurs in the water or on land. The beetles are attracted to light, and are good fliers.

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