Template:Dytiscus

Dytiscus

Order

Coleoptera

Family

Dytiscidae

Genus

Dytiscus

Adult Dytiscidae have streamlined bodies and hind-legs modified for swimming. They are characterized by the division of the first abdominal segment by the hind coxae. Don't let the paired claws and prominent 'tails' of Dytiscus larva tempt you to think 'stonefly'; these tails are far less segmented than Plecoptera tails.The head and jaws are also unlike those of stoneflies.

Images of the hind-legs, first abdominal segment, 'tails', Plecoptera tails, and the head and jaws.