LIVE PREDACEOUS DIVING BEETLES
Aquatic Insect Predators from the Family Dytiscidae
Vibrant, active, and utterly lethal — these beetles are as fascinating as they are ferocious. These aquatic beetles are the torpedoes of the insect world — fast, air-breathing predators with a thirst for motion... and meat.
APPEARANCE
- Streamlined, oval-shaped body
- Glossy black, brown, or bronze carapace (species dependent)
- Powerful, paddle-like hind legs adapted for swimming
- Adults range in size from 1 to 3 cm
- Some species display metallic or iridescent coloration
HABITAT
- Native to ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams
- Thrive in still or gently flowing freshwater with aquatic vegetation
- Require access to the surface for air (they store air under their wing covers)
BEHAVIOR
- Aggressive hunters — both adults and larvae (called “water tigers”)
- Strong swimmers using rhythmic strokes of their hind legs
- Adults can fly and are attracted to light at night
- Solitary, territorial, and best kept individually or in large tanks
DIET
- Carnivorous: will eat insect larvae, small fish, tadpoles, shrimp, and even other beetles
- Larvae have sickle-shaped mandibles to inject digestive enzymes
- Feed 2–3 times a week; remove uneaten prey to maintain water quality
CARE TIPS
- Tank size: 1 gallon or larger per beetle
- Water: Clean, dechlorinated; temperature 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- Provide floating plants or surfaces for beetles to rest and breathe
- Use a secure lid
- Avoid housing with small fish or slow-moving tank mates (they will be eaten)
These aren’t bugs for your backyard. These are high-octane insect predators for your inner naturalist.