(= PELOBIIDAE)

Code QC070000

Larvae parallel sided to fusiform, around 10mm in length when mature. Hygrobiid larvae possess 4 segmented antennae and slender six segmented legs with paired, moveable claws. Paired gill tufts arise from the coxal bases the first three abdominal segments. Abdominal segment 8 bears a long, slender median process, without spiracles, segment 9 bears paired, long urogomphi, segment 10 is reduced and membranous.

Hygrobiidae (suborder Adephaga) is a small family with one genus, Hygrobia , and five species: one from China, one from Europe and North Africa, and three from Australia. Two of the Australian species occur in the south east while the third is from the Northern Territory and Cape York Peninsula. Larvae inhabit the bottom ooze of stagnant ponds, feeding on insect larvae and Tubifex worms. Mature larvae leave the water to pupate in sand or mud within a closed cell.

References:

Lawrence, J.F. (1991) Hygrobiidae (Adephaga) p. 312. In: Stehr, F.W. (ed.) Immature Insects. Volume 2. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa.

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