Field observation of predation on a horsehair worm (Gordioida: Chordodidae) by a diving beetle larva Cybister brevis Aubé (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)

Abstract

Diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) are carnivorous in both the larval and adult stages; larvae are exclusively predatory, whereas adults also scavenge for food. They are known to prey on zooplankton, insects, gastropods, fish, amphibians and reptiles. However, there have been no previous reports detailing direct predation on adult Gordioida by Dytiscidae in the field. This study represents the first observation of a diving beetle larva, Cybister brevis Aubé (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae), predating on an adult horsehair worm (Gordioida: Chordodidae). This might be the first report of predation on horsehair worms by insects.

Predasi Kumbang Penyelam Dewasa Cybister sp. (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) terhadap Larva Nyamuk Aedes aegypti

“…Kumbang penyelam (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) merupakan predator dominan di lahan basah dan sawah dan dikenal sebagai pemangsa jentik nyamuk (Ohba & Takagi, 2010). Menurut Watanabe (2019), baik fase larva maupun dewasa kumbang penyelam bersifat karnivora. Larva merupakan predator ekslusif, sementara dewasa juga aktif mengais makanan.…”

Feeding habits of the endangered Japanese diving beetle Hydaticus bowringii (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) larvae in paddy fields and implications for its conservation

“…The larvae are exclusively predatory, whereas adults also scavenge for food (Culler et al, 2014). They prey on zooplankton, insects, horsehair worms, gastropods, fi sh, amphibians and reptiles (Culler et al, 2014;Watanabe, 2019). They are often used as indicators of biodiversity in freshwater environments worldwide (Foster & Bilton, 2014) and also in Japanese paddy fi elds (MAFF & NARO, 2012).…”