Code QC089999

A family of distinctive-looking, smoothly oval to elongate water beetles in which the head is broad and closely fitted to the prothorax and the apex of the elytra is somewhat acute. Antennae 11-segmented but short. Body smooth, dark coloured, more strongly convex than in Dytiscidae (the diving beetles). Scutellum not visible.

On the underside: The immotile hind coxae form apposed longitudinally oriented plates. There is no transverse suture on the metasternum. A prosternal process abuts on the metasternum and together with the coxal plates forms a broad and tapering median keel.

Noteridae (suborder Adephaga) are primarily a tropical group, 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. The known pupae live in air-filled cocoons attached to plant roots underwater.

Reference:

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