Representing one of the most specious groups of aquatic beetles in Central America, the Hydrophilinae (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae) are found in virtually every aquatic habitat including ponds, streams, waterfalls, and at the base of water-collecting plants such as bromeliads. Nonetheless, this fauna has never been comprehensively
studied. Here, the Hydrophilinae of Costa Rica are reviewed and communities associated with each major habitat are discussed. The collection of the Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (INBio), containing approximately 25,000 specimens of Hydrophilidae, was
examined and supplemented by collecting efforts in January and June of 2003. While only 24 species are currently recorded as occurring in Costa Rica, more than 60 species were found, with approximately 20% being undescribed. Many new records were found in the dry forests in the northwest and in hygropetric habitats. Additional
fieldwork is necessary to ensure full habitat coverage for a complete inventory of this group.
Species 1: Coleoptera Hydrophilidae
Keywords: systematics, Costa Rica
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