Great diving beetle

[whis4ey]

This isn't the biggest one I have seen, but is certainly the best pic I have yet to get of one
They are a ferocious predator, and have been know to attach themselves to the side of a fish and just eat away .... yuk

[Kayleigh]

Nice pic, He's got to eat to live

[Wild-Woman]

Nice shot and a good sign of a clean well balanced habitat.

[ollyk]

Well spotted! Is that a female?
I was in my favorite spot a couple of years ago and witnessed what I can only describe as the piranha scene from that James Bond movie (Moon Raker?) - I could only see thrashing and lots of bubbles and wash etc..
On sweeping my net I got two great diving beetles and the remains of an adult frog Very ferocious but quite amazing!

[Pondwatcher]

I was led to believe they were bad news if they got into your pond & should be removed a.s.a.p.

[Bouncytigger]

Lovely pic

He really is a WHOPPER havn't seen mine in a while

Think he may have fallen asleep in all that mud

[Jez]

I had one land in the pond I made at my previous home, really within seconds after filling the pond with water! It was quite surprising to think that such beetles where in the air at the time just wanting a new home to dive in!

[galanthus]

Originally Posted by Pondwatcher

I was led to believe they were bad news if they got into your pond & should be removed a.s.a.p.

Not if you want a nicely balanced wildlife pond as opposed to some koi showcase type affair. Ferocious creatures in larva form and adulthood, but amazing with it.

[ollyk]

Originally Posted by Pondwatcher

I was led to believe they were bad news if they got into your pond & should be removed a.s.a.p.

Well if I owned a pond I would be very happy to see one of these. I suspect though (assuming a small pond) he would eat his way out of house & home - but this would mean he / she would soon move on and find somewhere more suitable so I am sure things wouldn't be so bad. Maybe I would consider moving it to somewhere more suitable?

I know anglers would soon rid their ponds of predators like these, I am sure more out of ignorance than any solid evidence of the harm they could create!

In fact it makes me cringe to think what they might do to these and other 'bugs' in public ponds etc..

[Gregwaa]

Thats a lovely Great diving Beetle!

How do I attract them into my pond? Iv recently built a new pond, which I intend to keep fish free, & I really want great diving beetles.

Does anyone know how I can attract them to the pond or know anywhere in North Essex area where I can get some to put in? (Larvae or adults)

Would be grateful for any advice