Predaceous Diving Beetle (Cybister fimbriolatus) Larvae

Observation: I'm posting this unusual insect observation on behalf of ANTHC employee Lakota Holman. The insect was approximately 2 1/2 inches in length and moved across the bike path toward the lake on the north side of the ANTHC Healthy Communities Building on the corner of Tudor Rd. and Elmore Rd. It moved slowly, but had long strides. It inched its way forward, pulling its back end to follow. It appeared to have a pointy tip on its back end. It didn't appear to be soft or flexible like a caterpillar. Not sure if the insect is native to Alaska or the north. Would like to know if it can be harmful to humans, native vegetation or subsistence foods. Desirae Roehl, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Tribal Environmental Manager

Cooperative Extension Services Consult: Jessie Moan, Statewide IPM Technician writes, "This is the larvae of a predaceous diving beetle. They are an aquatic insect, but will sometimes be found out of the water. As their name implies they are predators and feed mostly on other aquatic insects but have been known to feed on tadpoles and small fish. They are not plant pests and are not harmful to humans (for the most part, they do have pretty strong jaws and their bites can be painful)." Source: University of Alaska Fairbanks