Predaceous Diving Beetle

Scientific name:
(Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

Facts: Predaceous diving beetles range in size from 1/16 inch to almost 2 inches long. Many of them are black or brown; some have markings. These beetles are predaceous as adults and larvae. Larvae, commonly known as water tigers, are not recommended for use in aquariums because they can easily capture and kill small fish. The adult beetles come to the surface of the water tail end up in order to replenish their air supply.

Photo credit: Bastiaan (Bart) Drees