Gravel Water Beetle

The Gravel Water Beetle (Hydrochus nitidicollis) is a rare brassy, blackish coloured water beetle, native to the UK. Historically in the UK, the Gravel Water Beetle has only ever been recorded in Devon and Cornwall. However, since the 1980s it has only been found within Dartmoor National Park.

It favours warmer climates, hence its limited distribution to the south of the UK.

• Size:2.5 to 3.5mm.
• Life span: Up to one year.
• Diet: The adults feed on algae and organic matter but the diet of the larvae is unknown.
• Reproduction: (see when to see)
• When to see: Records peak for this species in September, suggesting that they breed in the summer months.
• Population Trend: Declining.
• Threats:Habitat degradation. Poor water quality and habitat loss through river straightening, dredging, and changes in grazing are all threats to the Gravel Water Beetle.
  Climate change may also impact this species as England is the most northerly point in its range.
  
• Interesting Fact: Whilst they are aquatic beetles, they do not swim! They play dead when they are disturbed.
  

How you can help:

Think you’ve seen a Gravel Water Beetle? Submit any records/sightings via the iRecord app.

Also, you may have noticed that we are without a suitable Gravel Water Beetle photo for this page. If you think you have seen a Gravel Water Beetle and would like to share your photo with us, please contact us with your beetle pics.

Meanwhile, Buglife continues to work to increase awareness of invertebrates and support nature’s recovery through our projects and campaigns, and to do that we need your help! We rely on donations to be able to continue our work. To support Buglife, you can join the Buglife community, make a donation, or even purchase from our shop. For more ideas on how to support our work, find out how to get involved.  Thank you 🕷

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