laplandse geelgerande waterkever, laplandse geelrand
Dytiscus lapponicus
Dytiscus lapponicus is a large predatory diving beetle endemic to northern Scandinavia and arctic regions, characterized by its distinctive yellow-bordered elytra and robust aquatic build. This apex aquatic predator plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems by controlling populations of smaller invertebrates, fish fry, and amphibian larvae.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Dytiscidae
Genus
Dytiscus
laplandse geelgerande waterkever, laplandse geelrand belongs to the family Dytiscidae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
Dytiscus lapponicus is a large predatory diving beetle endemic to northern Scandinavia and arctic regions, characterized by its distinctive yellow-bordered elytra and robust aquatic build. This apex aquatic predator plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems by controlling populations of smaller invertebrates, fish fry, and amphibian larvae.
Dytiscus lapponicus faces severe threats from habitat loss and degradation of its specialized aquatic environments in northern regions. Climate change poses a particularly significant risk as warming temperatures alter the cold-water habitats this Arctic/subarctic species depends on. Water pollution and human disturbance of pristine northern wetlands further compound the pressures on remaining populations.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits cold, clear oligotrophic lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams in arctic and subarctic regions, particularly favoring shallow vegetated margins with abundant aquatic plants. It requires pristine waters with stable temperatures and high oxygen levels typical of northern boreal and tundra landscapes.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Dytiscus lapponicus faces severe threats from habitat loss and degradation of its specialized aquatic environments in northern regions. Climate change poses a particularly significant risk as warming temperatures alter the cold-water habitats this Arctic/subarctic species depends on. Water pollution and human disturbance of pristine northern wetlands further compound the pressures on remaining populations.
Climate change and warming temperatures
Habitat loss and degradation of aquatic environments
Limited distribution and small population size
Human disturbance of wetland habitats
Water pollution and contamination
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). laplandse geelgerande waterkever, laplandse geelrand (Dytiscus lapponicus). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/laplandse-geelgerande-waterkever-laplandse-geelrand