Predaceous Diving Beetle (Male) - Graphoderus liberus ---Articulo-setae on Tarsi
Streamlined, oval-shaped body; filamentous antennae; Segment A1 split into 2 parts by legs; elytra heavily speckled.
Since this beetle was dead, I decided to remove its tarsi for a better look at the articulo-setae. Quality is low because I used a low-power digital scope. Articulo-setae are structures that males have on their mid and fore-tarsi. They act like suckers and help the males hold the females during mating.
Habitat: Pond
*I brought this beetle home to photograph. I intended to set it free afterwards, but accidentally killed it by dropping my head lamp on it. Another note - I used so much light for this shot and it is still so dark! I used a flashlight, headlamp, and diffused flash.
Check out its movements:
''Graphoderus liberus'' is a species of predaceous diving beetle in the family Dytiscidae. It is found in North America.
comments (2)
And, that is a cool coincidence! Check out these images:
https://www.the-scientist.com/image-of-the-day/image-of-the-day-a-beetles-embrace-34076
https://www.nikonsmallworld.com/galleries/2016-photomicrography-competition/front-foot-tarsus-of-a-male-diving-beetle
Waaay back when I was in grad school, I got to work briefly with an electron microscope to get images of ticks. It was so cool. Posted 5 years ago