Coleoptera-order: 2 usual families

Elmidae: family: commonly called riffle beetles

            Larvae:-typically small, hemi-cylindrical shape (flat ventral, rounded dorsal)

                        -coloring light to dark brown

                        -bodies are hard to the touch (but can still be damaged)

                        -segments are easily distinguished

                        -3 sets of true legs on thorax, 2 toes on claws

 

 

            Adults:  -hard black shell beetle appearance

                        -antenna with a rust colored beaded appearance

                        -legs have black femora and tibia and then red/ rust colored tarsi and claws

                        -body is more stout than elongate

 

        

Dytiscidae: family: predaceous diving beetle

            Larvae:-often confused with trichoptera and plecoptera

                        -have distinct large mandibles comparatively

                        -typically 2 small tails

                        -eyes are simple

                        -3 pairs of true legs with 4 segments

                        -gills from abdominal segments lateral and thread like