Wheat Mud Beetle - Helophorus nubilus?

[JRsbugs]

This beetle was in my bath tub 'pond' on 14th June before I had the bigger one dug. I'm not sure exactly what size it was but I think it was very small, in the region of 3-4mm.

After much searching I have found one which appears to fit, but I know there's many features to look at when IDing beetles. I found a page on the wcg on Helophoridae but they don't have pics of Helophorus nubilus.

http://www.thewcg.org.uk/pages/Helophoridae.htm

I went carefully through the identifying features of Helophorus brevipalpis thinking it may be that instead, but some things don't quite fit such as the dark tarsi apex.

http://www.thewcg.org.uk/helophoridae/0146.htm

The pic which led me to Helophorus nubilus and looks to be a good match was on this site:

Chrzaszcze wodne

Any help appreciated.

Janet

[Jason Claxton]

I can't really help you on this one Janet.But A Coleopterist's Handbook(4th ed.) by J.Cooter says"Dissection of the male genitalia is highly desirable for Hydrochus, Helophorus,Sphaeridium,Cercyon,Laccobius,Helochare s and the smaller Enochrus.

[JRsbugs]

Originally Posted by Jason Claxton

I can't really help you on this one Janet.But A Coleopterist's Handbook(4th ed.) by J.Cooter says"Dissection of the male genitalia is highly desirable for Hydrochus, Helophorus,Sphaeridium,Cercyon,Laccobius,Helochare s and the smaller Enochrus.

Thanks Jason, so is this a male? I was kinda hoping someone has a book with a complete description for every beetle, but that might be hoping too much.

[JRsbugs]

Dissection of the male genitalia is highly desirable

Hmmm, sometimes I do wonder! Maybe their choice of words could have been better.

[Jason Claxton]

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Hmmm, sometimes I do wonder! Maybe their choice of words could have been better.

Yes dont be getting any ideas nowI dont know whether it is a male but you know the protocol if it is.