The Dytiscidae – based on the Greek dytikos (δυτικός), "able to dive" – are the predaceous diving beetles, a family of water beetles. They occur in virtually any freshwater habitat around the world, but a few species live among leaf litter. The adults of most are between 1 and 2.5 cm (0.4–1.0 in) long, though much variation is seen between species. The European Dytiscus latissimus and Brazilian Megadytes ducalis are the largest, reaching up to 4.5 and 4.75 cm respectively. In contrast, the smallest is likely the Australian Limbodessus atypicali of subterranean waters, which only is about 0.9 mm (0.035 in) long. Most are dark brown, blackish, or dark olive in color with golden highlights in some subfamilies. The larvae are commonly known as water tigers due to their voracious appetite. They have short, but sharp mandibles and immediately upon biting, they deliver digestive enzymes into prey to suck their liquefied remains. The family includes more than 4,000 described species in numerous genera.
Acilius is a holarctic genus of diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae and typically has a life cycle that is univoltine.
Celina is a genus of predaceous diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae. There are at least 30 described species in Celina.
Hydroporus subpubescens is a species in the family Dytiscidae, in the order Coleoptera ("beetles"). It is found in North America.
Sanfilippodytes compertus is a species of predaceous diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
Hydroporinae is a subfamily of predaceous diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae. There are at least 2,200 described species in Hydroporinae.
Agabus bifarius is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in Europe and Northern Asia and North America.
Graphoderus liberus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
Dytiscinae is a subfamily of predaceous diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae. There are at least 20 genera and 380 described species in Dytiscinae.
Neoscutopterus hornii is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
Hydroporus fortis is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
Eretes sticticus, the western erete, is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas from the southern United States to Peru. This species preys specifically on mosquito larvae in ponds and pools. They can kill up to all the instar larvae of the mosquito depending on size and density of the prey.
Acilius athabascae is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
Hydroporus rectus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
Aciliini is a tribe of predaceous diving beetles in the family Dytiscidae. There are 7 genera and at least 69 described extant species in Aciliini, along with 5 fossil species.
Acilius fraternus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
Acilius semisulcatus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
Acilius sylvanus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
Acilius abbreviatus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
Acilius confusus is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
