What fierce larval form of the Dytiscidae is known for its appetite?
Answer
water tigers
The larvae of the Dytiscidae, commonly known as predaceous diving beetles, are frequently referred to as water tigers due to their extremely fierce and voracious carnivorous appetites. These larvae are powerful predators in their own right, distinct from the adults. A key identifying feature of these larvae is their wickedly curved, piercing mouthparts, which they use to inject digestive fluids into their prey before consuming the liquefied contents, solidifying their role as apex invertebrate predators in many small aquatic systems.
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