Code QC080000

Larval body compact and fusiform to ovate, length 2-4.5 mm when mature. Noterid larvae have short legs, elongate 4-segmented antennae and very short urogomphi. Mandibles not perforate, unlike the somewhat similar Dytiscidae. Terminal abdominal segment (8th) somewhat drawn out into a siphon bearing spiracles at apex. Gills and hooks absent.

Noteridae (suborder Adephaga) are primarily tropical in distribution, with four genera (five species) occurring mainly in northern regions of Australia. Noteridae usually inhabit the margins of shallow ponds or slowly running water where adults and larvae are found among the roots of floating or emergent plants. Larval diets are apparently quite varied, including plant and decaying animal material. The known pupae live in air-filled cocoons attached to plant roots underwater.

References:

Lawrence, J.F. and Britton, E.B. (1991) Coleoptera. pp. 543-683. In: CSIRO, Insects of Australia. Volume 2. Melbourne University Press, Carlton, Victoria.

Spangler, P.J. (1991) Noteridae (Adephaga) pp. 314-315. In: Stehr, F.W. (ed.) Immature Insects. Volume 2. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa.