Family Dytiscidae
This family of beetles contains over 4,000 species and is the largest family of aquatic beetles. They have modified legs that are utilized as paddles and will hold air between their elytra and abdomen when diving in shallow water. The larvae and adults of this family are both predatory and will hunt for primarily tadpoles and invertebrates, but can also hunt small fish. The larvae are particularly vicious and are often referred to as “water tigers” as they use sharp jaws to catch their prey.
