Noteridae (burrowing water beetles)

The burrowing water beetles (Note­ridae) are small beetles of oval shape, very similar and closely related to the diving beetles (Dytiscidae), formerly classified with them. They can be distinguished by their plate-like hind coxae, covering the trochantin. More than 200 species have been described worldwide, thereof only two are recorded from Germany. They are found in stagnant water or quiet streams from the lowland to the low mountain range. Both adults and larvae are predators on small invertebrates, or scavengers. The larvae have a habit of burrowing through the substrate on the bottom of ponds and marshes. They pupate in the water.