Hydroscaphidae

The Hydroscaphidae are a small family of water beetles known commonly as skiff beetles.[1] As of 2010, there are 23 species in the family.[2] Several are recently described.

Hydroscaphidae
Temporal range: Aptian–Recent
Hydroscapha natans
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Myxophaga
Superfamily: Sphaeriusoidea
Family: Hydroscaphidae
LeConte, 1874
Genera

These beetles are small, most under 2 mm (0.079 in) in length. They are tan to brown in color and the elytra are abbreviated, leaving several tapering tergites of the abdomen exposed. The wings are fringed with long setae. The larvae are fusiform, with a wide thorax and a narrowing abdomen.[2]

Hydroscaphidae live on mats of algae with a thin layer of running water. This may be the accumulated algae lining the very edge of a stream of water.[3] They tolerate a wide range of temperatures; they have been observed in hot springs and in icy snowmelt. The algae are their food source.[2]

The reproductive cycle is not well known. In at least one species, the female lays a single large egg on the algal mat.[2]

Hydroscaphid species have been reported from every continent except Antarctica.

Genera:[4]

References
  1. Cai, C.; et al. (2012). "The first skiff beetle (Coleoptera: Myxophaga: Hydroscaphidae) from Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota". Journal of Paleontology. 86 (1): 116–9. doi:10.1666/11-050.1.
  2. Falamarzi, S.; et al. (2010). "Confirmed occurrence of Hydroscapha granulum in Iran, with notes on its biology (Coleoptera: Myxophaga: Hydroscaphidae)" (PDF). Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae. 50: 97–106.
  3. Fikáček, M.; Šípková, H. (2009). "New Asian Hydroscapha, with comments on male-female association of co-occurring species (Coleoptera, Myxophaga, Hydroscaphidae)" (PDF). Zootaxa. 2286: 31–48. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.2286.1.2.
  4. Beutel, R G.; Haas, A. (1998). "Larval head morphology of Hydroscapha natans (Coleoptera, Myxophaga) with reference to miniaturization and the systematic position of Hydroscaphidae.]". Zoomorphology. 118 (2): 103–116. doi:10.1007/s004350050061.

Further reading
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