(= LIMNEBIIDAE)

Code QC130000

Larvae elongate, parallel sided, body length 1.3-3.0 mm when mature. Hydraenids may be distinguished from all other coleopteran larvae by the presence of a single pair of hooks apically on the terminal abdominal segment (10). Articulated urogomphi usually prominent, abdomen lacking other processes/gills. Antenna long, 3 segmented.

Hydraenids (Polyphaga: Staphylinoidea) are found in a variety of riparian and littoral habitats including streams, waterfalls, wet rock faces, ponds, marine rock pools, seabird nests and inland salt lakes, however larvae tend to be less truly aquatic than the adults, favouring damp riparian habitats. Most hydraenids are phytophagous, though some larvae may be more detritivorous or even predacious. The Australian fauna, distributed through all states, comprises 55 species in seven genera and two subfamilies.

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) Hydraenidae (Staphylinoidea) pp. 320-322. In: Stehr, F.W. (ed.) Immature Insects. Volume 2. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, Dubuque, Iowa.