Cherrystone Beetle

hyphydrus ovatus

The Cherrystone Beetle, Hyphydrus ovatus, is a fascinating member of the Dytiscidae family, commonly known as diving beetles. This small, aquatic insect spends most of its life submerged in freshwater habitats, playing a significant role in the food web as a predator of smaller invertebrates. Its distinctive compact, broadly oval and strongly convex body shape, reminiscent of a cherrystone, allows it to move efficiently through water with minimal drag. Beyond its aquatic prowess, this beetle also possesses the remarkable ability to take to the air, using flight for dispersal to new water bodies, a crucial adaptation for survival in transient or ephemeral environments.

Habitat: This species is primarily found in still or slow-moving freshwater environments, including ponds, ditches, shallow lakes, and the vegetated margins of slow rivers and wetlands, especially where there is abundant aquatic vegetation.

Appearance

Measuring typically between 4 to 5 millimeters in length, Hyphydrus ovatus has a highly characteristic, broadly oval and strongly convex body, giving it its 'cherrystone' common name. Its dorsal surface is smooth and often exhibits a reddish-brown to dark brown or almost black coloration, sometimes with subtle lighter markings. The head is relatively small, and the antennae are short and inconspicuous. The legs are short and adapted for swimming, with the hind legs flattened and fringed with hairs for powerful propulsion through water.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyDytiscidaeGenusHyphydrus

Cherrystone Beetle

Interesting facts

Both the adult beetles and their larvae are active and efficient predators in their aquatic habitats, playing a role in controlling populations of smaller invertebrates.

Despite being a proficient swimmer, the Cherrystone Beetle can readily fly, often leaving its water body at night to seek out new ponds or escape drying conditions, showcasing its adaptability to changing environments.

It gets its common name 'Cherrystone Beetle' from its distinctly oval, convex, and smooth body shape, which closely resembles a cherry pit.

To breathe underwater, this beetle cleverly traps a bubble of air under its hardened wing covers, using it like a portable oxygen tank and a physical gill to absorb dissolved oxygen from the surrounding water.

Special abilities

The Cherrystone Beetle carries a bubble of air under its wing cases (elytra) when submerged. This trapped air acts as a physical gill, allowing it to extract dissolved oxygen from the water and extend its time underwater before needing to surface.

Its highly convex and streamlined oval body significantly reduces drag in water. This specialized shape, coupled with its paddle-like hind legs, enables efficient and swift movement through aquatic environments for hunting and escaping predators.

Despite its predominantly aquatic lifestyle, Hyphydrus ovatus possesses fully functional wings and can fly. This ability is crucial for colonizing new or ephemeral water bodies when its current habitat becomes unsuitable or dries up, often occurring at night.

Measurements & details

Length: 0 cm
Wingspan: 0-1 cm
Weight: 0 kg
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Top Speed: 0 km/h
Clutch Size: 20-50
Incubation: 5-10 days

Diet & Feeding

The Cherrystone Beetle is an active aquatic predator, both in its adult and larval stages, feeding on a variety of smaller invertebrates found within its freshwater habitat.

Primary Foods

Small aquatic insect larvae
Oligochaetes (small worms)
Daphnia (water fleas)
Copepods
Rotifers

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

eaten by

Small Fish

Various species

Preyed upon by small fish that inhabit the same freshwater bodies.

hunts

Daphnia

Daphnia pulex

Larval and adult forms prey on smaller aquatic invertebrates.

habitat provider

Waterweed

Elodea canadensis

Provides habitat, shelter, and attachment sites for eggs within the aquatic environment.

hunts

Chironomid larvae

Chironomus plumosus

Feeds on a variety of small aquatic insect larvae in its habitat.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Cherrystone Beetle?

The easiest way to identify Cherrystone Beetle is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Cherrystone Beetle?

0 cm

What is Cherrystone Beetle's wingspan?

0-1 cm

How much does Cherrystone Beetle weigh?

0 kg

How long does Cherrystone Beetle live?

1-2 years

How fast can Cherrystone Beetle move?

0 km/h

What does Cherrystone Beetle eat?

The Cherrystone Beetle is an active aquatic predator, both in its adult and larval stages, feeding on a variety of smaller invertebrates found within its freshwater habitat.

Where is Cherrystone Beetle usually found?

This species is primarily found in still or slow-moving freshwater environments, including ponds, ditches, shallow lakes, and the vegetated margins of slow rivers and wetlands, especially where there is abundant aquatic vegetation.