Life history of Copelatus kammuriensis Tamu and Tsukamoto, 1955 (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae: Copelatinae) and biological implications

The diversity of Japanese Dytiscidae has declined substantially in recent years, therefore, a better understanding of the biology and ecology of this insect family is essential to ensure its conservation. In this study, captive breeding experiments were conducted to elucidate the life history, and field surveys were performed to determine the reproductive habitats of the Japanese endemic species Copelatus kammuriensis Tamu and Tsukamoto, 1955. The reproductive habitats, egg-laying environments, immature periods, and unique ecology of the species were identified. The larval periods of five Copelatus species were compared, and that of C. kammuriensis was found to be the shortest; its reproductive habitats were unstable rain pools that easily dried up in the absence of rain over up to 10 days. These results suggest that a short larval period and rapid predatory behaviour are important for the survival of C. kammuriensis.

Automated summary

This study conducted captive breeding experiments and field surveys to investigate the life history and reproductive habitats of the Japanese endemic species Copelatus kammuriensis. The results revealed the unique ecology of this species and highlighted the importance of its conservation.