Predaceous water beetles (Coleoptera, Hydradephaga) of the Lake St Lucia system, South Africa: biodiversity, community ecology and conservation implications

A comprehensive survey of predaceous water beetles (Hydradephaga) in the Lake St Lucia wetlands, part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Parkreveals at least 68 species, a remarkable diversity that rivals global hotspots. This is the first biodiversity census for this critical aquatic group in South Africa, with several taxa documented for the first time in the region. While temporary depression wetlands, not permanent waters, emerged as hotspots for beetle richness—a contrast to other taxa like molluscs and dragonflies—this study underscores the importance of preserving diverse wetland habitats to sustain biodiversity in this globally significant ecosystem.

Bird, M., Perissinotto, R., & Bilton, D. (2016). Predaceous water beetles (Coleoptera, Hydradephaga) of the Lake St Lucia system, South Africa: biodiversity, community ecology and conservation implications. ZooKeys, 595, 85–135. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.595.8614