How to Identify a Water Scavenger Beetle

Water scavenging beetles can be difficult to identify. Though they are often mistaken with an array of other bugs, such as predaceous diving beetles, they have some fairly distinct characteristics. Identifying a water scavenger beetle, which is in the Hydrophilidae family, is somewhat challenging.

Things You'll Need

  • Cup or small bucket
  • Magnifying utensil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Catch the insect that you suspect is a water scavenger beetle in a cup or small bucket. The beetle is much easier to identify outside of water.

    • 2

      Examine the insect's shape. A water scavenger beetle usually has a smooth, streamlined inverted "V" shape. Unlike most beetles, which have a plump, rounded shape, a water scavenger beetle is more angular and has flat edges.

    • 3

      Check the insect's underside for a long, sharp spine that extends the length of its body, running directly down its center. Though this underside trademark is a dead giveaway for a water scavenger beetle, you might encounter a water scavenger beetle with a less noticeable spine.

    • 4

      Examine the legs. If the legs sit on top of a two-part abdomen, you likely have a water scavenger beetle. It also has six legs, like all insects.

    • 5

      Determine whether or not the insect's antennae are "clubbed." A water scavenger beetle's antenna appears thin at the base and thick at the tip.