Posted by The Whirligig Beetle Insect whirligig beetle, Gyrinus minutus from and Europe North America, lives on the surface film of ponds and slow streams. Adults overwinter in leaf litter near ponds and streams. Short, clubbed antennae are a characteristic of the family. Length up to 0.2 inches (5 mm).
- Common name: Whirligig beetles(waltzing beetles, scuttle bugs)
- Family: Gyrinidae
- Suborder: Adephaga
- Order: Coleoptera
- Class/subphylum: Insecta/Hexapoda
- Number of species: About 700 (about 50 US)
- Size: From about 0.1 in (3 mm) to 0.6 in (15 mm)
Key features: Shiny black elongate- oval beetles; the compound eyes are divided into upper and lower sections; antennae are unusually short and clubbed; front legs long and slender, rear legs shorter and paddlelike
Habits: Usually seen in groups circling constantly around on the surface of fresh water; adults and larvae are aquatic predators, larvae live below the surface, adults on it, adults usually active in daytime
Breeding: Mating takes place in water; eggs are laid in rows or masses on water plants, larvae emerge from the water to pupate on land
Diet: Adults mainly eat insects that have fallen onto the water surface; larvae take water snails, mites, and small aquatic insects
Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams
Distribution: Worldwide except in the coldest and driest places.
Whirligig Beetle Insect Photos: