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Species Details
Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameGiant green water beetle
SeasonalityAdults emerge from May to August.
IdentificationMedium size (26.7 to 33.0 mm), elongate body (Larson et al. 2000). Reddish to black - some with metallic green appearance. All margins of pronotum and lateral margins of elytra broadly margined with yellow. Large medial chevron on head. Basal segments of antennae yellow, terminal segments reddish. All pronotal margins broadly yellow - basal margin narrow laterally and broadly expanded medially. Lateral margins of elytra yellow, narrowed and discontinuous at apex. Fore- and middle legs yellow to pale red.
Scientific Name
Dytiscus marginicollis
Common Name
Giant green water beetle
Habitat
Semi-permanent, saline ponds (Larson et al. 2000). Also in fresh water ponds.
Seasonality
Adults emerge from May to August.
Identification
Medium size (26.7 to 33.0 mm), elongate body (Larson et al. 2000). Reddish to black - some with metallic green appearance. All margins of pronotum and lateral margins of elytra broadly margined with yellow. Large…
Medium size (26.7 to 33.0 mm), elongate body (Larson et al. 2000). Reddish to black - some with metallic green appearance. All margins of pronotum and lateral margins of elytra broadly margined with yellow. Large medial chevron on head. Basal segments of antennae yellow, terminal segments reddish. All pronotal margins broadly yellow - basal margin narrow laterally and broadly expanded medially. Lateral margins of elytra yellow, narrowed and discontinuous at apex. Fore- and middle legs yellow to pale red.
Life History
Overwinter as adults in permanent waters (Larson et al. 2000). Late fall or early spring mating. Univoltine (Aiken and Wilkinson 1985). Strong swimmers, hind legs move together while swimming. Adults attracted to lights.
Conservation
No special status (IUCN 2002).
Diet Info
Predatory - active swimmers (Larson et al. 2000). Invertebrate and fish larvae prey.
Range
In Alberta this species is recorded from the southern region. This species ranges from British Columbia to Manitoba (Larson et al. 2000). The southern-most records are from Durango State, Mexico.
Citation
Page Citation for Dytiscus marginicollis
Page Citation
"Species Details - Dytiscus marginicollis, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-4253/9-57065. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
References
Title
2002 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Publication Date
2002
Series Title
Ecology
Author
Aiken, R. B. and C. W. Wilkinson
Title
Bionomics of Dytiscus alaskanus J. Balfour-Browne (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) in a Central Alberta Lake.
Publication Date
1985
Series Title
Canadian Journal of Zoology
Volume
63
Pages
1316-1323
Author
Larson, D. J.; Alaire, Y. and R. E. Roughley
Title
Predaceous Diving Beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) of the Nearctic Region, with emphasis on the fauna of Canada and Alaska.
Publication Date
2000
Pages
982
Specimen Information
There are 16 specimens of this Species.
UASM32396 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Coutts
Collected ByStrickland, E. H.
Date Collected1938-05-12
UASM32397 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta
Collected ByLarson, D.; Larson, M.
Date Collected1972-05-12
UASM32398 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Peigan Indian Reserve
Collected ByCarr, F. S.
Date Collected1926-05-23
UASM32399 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: Washington, Spokane county, Spokane
Date Collected1928-08-21
UASM32400 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Lethbridge
Collected ByLarson, D. J.
Date Collected1959-03-22
UASM32401 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Buffalo
Collected ByCarr, F. S.
Date Collected1929-05-08
UASM32403 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: California, Marin county, Lagunitas
Date Collected1913-10
UASM32404 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedUnited States: California, Sacramento county, Sacramento
UASM32405 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Medicine Hat
Date Collected1929-03-30
UASM32406 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Cypress Hills
Collected ByCarr, F. S.
Date Collected1929-08-10
UASM32407 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Cypress Hills
Collected ByCarr, F. S.
Date Collected1929-08-10
UASM32408 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Medicine Hat
Collected ByCarr, F. S.
Date Collected1924-09-04
UASM32409 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Medicine Hat
Collected ByCarr, F. S.
Date Collected1924-04-08
UASM54075 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Barons
Collected ByLarson, D.
Date Collected1970-05-10
UASM272870 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta
Collected ByLarson, D.; Larson, M.
Date Collected1972-05-13
UASM272871 - Dytiscus marginicollis
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Medicine Hat
Date Collected1923-04-10