Family: Dystiscidae, Predacious Diving Beetles view all from this family

Description The Sunburst Diving Beetle is a member of the family Dytiscidae. Diving beetles live in freshwater rivers, streams, lakes, pools, and even hot springs in northern regions. These brownish-black or dark green beetles have smooth, oval bodies, 1/16-1 5/8" (1.5-40 mm) long. They swim by flexing their hind legs together simultaneously like oars, unlike other water beetles, which move their legs alternately. They can remain underwater for a long time, breathing air trapped in a chamber under the elytra. Periodically they come to the surface to renew this air. Both adults and larvae are predators. The larvae, called water tigers, are 1/4-2 3/4" (5-70 mm) long. They have strong sickle-shaped jaws and can attack prey larger than themselves.