The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

DYTISCIDAE

Dytiscidae is the predacious diving beetle family of insects of the order Coleoptera, with over 100 species found in Britain. They have modified hind- legs adapted for use as paddles and covered with long hairs and a streamlined body. They are excellent at flying and can move to new water as required. They carry air beneath the elytra, and use this to breathe while diving under the surface. Both the adults and larvae are strictly predacious.
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