# Megasternum Megasternum is a special type of beetle that loves to explore! These little bugs have shiny bodies and can often be found near water, where they like to play and hide. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Wetlands ![Megasternum](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Megasternum_concinnum_%28Marsham%252C_1802%29_%28Syn._Megasternum_obscurum_%28Marsham%252C_1802%29_Syn._Megasternum_boletophagum_%28Marsham%252C_1802%29%29_%284303595533%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Udo Schmidt from Deutschland, CC BY-SA 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Megasternum_concinnum_%28Marsham%252C_1802%29_%28Syn._Megasternum_obscurum_%28Marsham%252C_1802%29_Syn._Megasternum_boletophagum_%28Marsham%252C_1802%29%29_%284303595533%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Megasternum is a small, oval beetle, typically dark brown to black and very shiny. It has short, club-like antennae hidden beneath its head, differentiating it from similar aquatic beetles. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Hydrophilidae - **Genus:** Megasternum ## Interesting facts - A Megasternum's antennae help it 'smell' food in the water! - Some Megasternum larvae are fierce predators, unlike the adult beetles! - Their shiny bodies are super waterproof, keeping them dry even underwater! - They can play dead by pulling in their legs and pretending to be a tiny pebble! ## Special abilities - **Underwater Air Tank:** Megasternum can breathe underwater by carrying a silvery air bubble under its shell, which acts like a tiny scuba tank for them. - **Aquatic Paddlers:** Megasternum has specialized paddle-like legs that help them efficiently swim through water to find food and escape predators. - **Flying Traveler:** Megasternum can fly well, allowing them to travel between different ponds or puddles when their current water source dries up. - **Water Recyclers:** Megasternum can break down decaying plant matter, helping to keep aquatic environments clean and recycle nutrients. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 5-8 mm - **Size:** 2-4 mm - **Lifespan:** 60-120 days - **Flight Speed:** 5-10 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding These beetles mostly munch on decaying plants and algae found in water. - **Age differences:** Larvae are often carnivorous, hunting small aquatic invertebrates, while adults are primarily detritivores. - **Primary Foods:** decaying plant matter, algae, microorganisms - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [Leopard Frog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/leopard-frog) (*Rana pipiens*) — Frogs prey on adult beetles swimming near the surface. - **Eats:** Mallard Duck (*Anas platyrhynchos*) — Ducks forage in shallow water, consuming aquatic insects. - **Eats:** [Yellow Perch](https://www.snappit.app/explore/yellow-perch) (*Perca flavescens*) — Fish in ponds are common predators of water beetles. - **Depends on:** [Cattail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cattail) (*Typha latifolia*) — Provides shelter and decaying matter for the beetles. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Filter Feeder](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/filter-feeder): Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wetland): This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Aquatic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/aquatic): Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be gentle when looking for beetles, and wash your hands after touching them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Megasternum? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Megasternum's wingspan? 5-8 mm ### How big is Megasternum? 2-4 mm ### How long does Megasternum live? 60-120 days ### How fast can Megasternum fly? 5-10 km/h ### What does Megasternum eat? These beetles mostly munch on decaying plants and algae found in water. ### Where is Megasternum usually found? Wetlands ### How does Megasternum hunt? Foraging ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Megasternum: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/megasternum)