What is the primary dietary focus for the adult Giant Water Scavenger Beetle (*Hydrophilus*)?
Answer
Decaying matter and detritus
The Giant Water Scavenger Beetle, exemplified by *Hydrophilus* species, operates under an omnivorous or scavenger nutritional strategy. Their adult diet centers predominantly on scavenging dead and decaying organic material present in the aquatic environment, which is categorized as detritus. This behavior establishes them as vital components within the nutrient cycling process, as they effectively clean the habitat by breaking down this dead biomass. While they are not entirely reliant on carrion, as they also consume small aquatic animals and plant matter, their fundamental role is defined by this reliance on detrital feeding, positioning them as crucial decomposers.
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