Unknown beetle for ID please

[Nettle Runner]

Found Pont Robert, Wales (21 May 2007)
Rescued this beetle from water trough, in horse fields
Length 6-7mm
Tarsi 4,4,4 (apparently)
I've been trying to key this out to a family for 2 weeks now, without success



An image showing tarsi



An image with wings open



Look forward to having your suggestions for ID
Les

[Laurence Clemons]

It is a species of Helophorus.

[Paul mabbott]

As Laurence say, a Helophorus sp - not easy to do to species. These are members of the Hydrophilidae - water beetles - although less inclined to deep water than many members of that family: they are often facultative dung beetles! They have, from time to time, been considered a separate family (Helophoridae) and always have the characteristic, longitudinally grooved forebody.

[Nettle Runner]

Many thanks Lawrence and Paul.
I had a google, now that the family is known, and see what you mean about a diffecult ID to sp level.

Thanks also, Paul, for the technical description - 'facultative'.
(to save others having to look it up ....
Biology. having the capacity to live under more than one specific set of environmental conditions).

Would the description "Water Scavenging Beetle - Helophorus sp." be the correct title for renaming the image?

[Paul mabbott]

I'd leave it as just 'a sort of water beetle - Helophorus sp .... ' - wouldn't want to confuse people ....

Originally Posted by Nettle Runner

Would the description "Water Scavenging Beetle - Helophorus sp." be the correct title for renaming the image?

[JonSadler]

If you want to identify it to species level, you'll get there with Laurie Friday's Aidgap key to British Water Beetles. There are not many species of Helophorus of that size. My guess (without looking at the last abdominal sternite) is that it is H. grandis.

Regards
Jon

[Nettle Runner]

Thanks Jon for the additional information, and the referance to the key / guide.
Will try and get a copy.
Les