Les Hydrochara sont des Hydrophilidae aquatiques homogènes dans leur apparence générale. H. caraboides est noirâtre, parfois verdâtre, brillant, en ovale large, modérément convexe et à contour à peu près continu ; le pronotum sensiblement élargi vers l'arrière, la base rectiligne ; les élytres avec cinq rangées de points pilifères bien marqués et dix séries de points peu distinctes, complétées par une microponctuation obsolète ; le prosternum tectiforme, prolongé par une longue pointe épineuse ; la carène métaventrale n'atteignant pas le bord antérieur du 2d ventrite ; pattes en général brun noir.
Détermination :
Assez facile sur photo d'ensemble.
Espèces proches :
La confusion de H. caraboides est possible avec H. flavipes. Ils diffèrent cependant surtout plusieurs points, notamment le prosternum avec la pointe épineuse présente seulement chez H. caraboides, la base du pronotum bisinueuse chez H. flavipes et les pattes claires pour ce dernier.
Période d'observation :
Adulte rencontré surtout du printemps à l'automne.
Biologie-éthologie :
Se développe plutôt en plaine, dans les eaux douces peu profondes des mares, fossés et marais riches en végétation, de préférence en milieu ouvert. Vole activement et vient aux lumières.
Biogéographie et écologie :
Espèce assez fréquente, parfois abondante, avec une vaste répartition en Europe de l'Espagne à la Russie et l'Ukraine, en Turquie, Iran et Sibérie orientale.
Queney P. et Prévost P. 2021. Clé d'identification des Coléoptères aquatiques de France métropolitaine Myxophaga, Polyphaga Hydrophiloidea (adultes). Tome 1.
The map presents a summary at the 10 x 10 km grid of the observation data for the species transmitted to the SINP. These data have been subjected to validation filters.
Distribution map from the Atlas of Departmental Biodiversity and Marine Sectors program
Current distribution in metropolitan France
The map presents a reference distribution layer of the species at the scale of departments and marine sectors. The presence and absence data were established by expertise within a network of partners. This reference distribution is used in the validation process of the SINP data at the INPN level.
Distribution map from the Atlas of Departmental Biodiversity and Marine Sectors program
Certain presence
Corresponds to a report on the basis of at least one observation proved within a period of 10 years (20 years for little-known invertebrates) preceding the year and no presumption of extinction since obtaining the last data nor doubt on reproductive and implemented nature of this population. For migratory species, the presence indicated concerns areas of reproduction.
Probable presence
This status is based on one or more of the following criteria:
search of species incomplete but presence of supportive environments;
ecology of the species consistent with the hypothesis of his presence;
the last reliable sighting is older than 10 years compared to the reference date, no recent specific research and no presumption of extinction from that date [vertebrates, invertebrates and plants well studied (rhopalocera, grasshoppers, dragonflies ...)] ;
the last reliable observation being older than 20 years, no recent specific research and no presumption of extinction from that date [poorly known taxa: fungus, many invertebrates...].
Probable or certain absence
This point covers the absence, more difficult by nature to demonstrate than presence. This status is based on one or more of the following criteria:
intensive but unsuccessful targeted research;
lack of adequate environments;
unobserved species while its presence is easily detected;
unlikely presence for historical or biogeographical reasons.
This status must be assigned to a department in which the presence of the species is casual.
Absence due to a proven extinction
Particular case of absence due to a proven extinction less than a half century ago (older disappearances are treated as "no probable or definite").
No information
In the state of knowledge, we can not comment on the presence or absence in the current department. This is the default status when not comprised in one of the previous categories or whenever there is doubt.
French Version
