Heterosternuta pulchra is a Wisconsin Special Concern hydroporus diving beetle found along the margins of various sized streams as well as lakeshores and in quarry pools over mineral substrates such as clay, sand, or gravel. Adults are 3.2-3.7mm long. Both adults and larvae Dytiscid species prey on other insects and fish that may be bigger than themselves. Eggs are laid in the spring and summer on plant stems and leaves, and larvae hatch within 1-2 weeks. Larvae pupate along the water's edge in logs and damp soil. Adults emerge from mid-July to late-September. Adults can fly and may disperse to permanent, deeper ponds for the winter, where they may remain active under the ice.
