Beetle for Id

rowanalder · #1 (**permalink**) 18-10-2011, 05:08 PM

Hi everyone,

I found this the otherday and have no idea what it is. Can anyone help?

When I first picked it up I thought maybe Bruchinae but after a closer look I don't think it is.

Thanks,

Ro

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 18-10-2011, 08:27 PM

Looks like Helophoridae to me, but I have no experience in identifying them so won't commit myself. Any water around?

tristanba · #3 (**permalink**) 18-10-2011, 09:16 PM

it is certainly a Helophorus sp - they are not always associated with wet habitats.

rowanalder · #4 (**permalink**) 19-10-2011, 06:18 PM

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the info on this one. A family I had not seen before, this was found on the farm in a water trough. I assume it had fallen in it diddn't seem to be doing too well in the water.

I have now realised the mistake I made in the AIDGAP beetle family key. It would appear that Helophoridae and Hydrophilidae had not been seperated at the time. Had a quick look in Fridays key and it said genitalia is the best way for identification, typical I always seem to find the difficult beetles

haha.

Thanks,

Ro

Klaas Reißmann · #5 (**permalink**) 19-10-2011, 06:51 PM

Hi Rowan,

Helophoridae and Hydrophilidae are put together again.

Yours was living in the water trough. Most of them, but not all (as Tristan told before), life in the water. The ID is very difficult (except a few species) and can be only taken by the specimen itself. And it needs a lot of experience.

Regards
Klaas