The complete aquatic life: Adaptation of Amphiops mater Sharp (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) to the water surface during the pupal stage

Abstract

Amphiops mater Sharp, 1873, live on the water surface from the egg stage to the pupal stage. Pupae are usually attached to floating objects and normally hatch even when removed from the objects and allowed to float on the water. The pupal period lasts 2–3 days (mean 2.4 days). Interestingly, the pupae are not easily preyed upon by water striders, Gerris latiabdominis Miyamoto, 1958, and their inconspicuous shape and short pupal duration may allow them to escape predation. Most Hydrophilidae species pupate on land, but A. mater can complete its life stages in an aquatic environment.