Comparative Life Histories of Three Species of Tropisternus in the Laboratory (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)

Three species of Tropisternus (T. lateralis nimbatus) [SAY], T. collaris [subspecies] [FABRICIUS], and T. blatchleyi modestus [D'ORCHYMONT] have been reared in the laboratory over a period of several years for determination of the genetics of their color patterns and various physiological studies. Methods of rearing and handling are discussed, and the behavior, duration of life history stages, and general biology of adults and immature stages are summarized.