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Habitat
Adults: aquatic
Immatures: aquatic
Feeding Habits
Adults: predaceous
Immatures: predaceous
Size: 3 to 16 mm
Flight : strong flier
North American
Species: 58
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Coleoptera Gyrinidae
Whirligig beetles
Front Wings: hardened
Hind Wings: membranous
Mouthparts: chewing
Antenna Length: shorter than body
Antenna Shape: clubbed
Front Legs: unmodified
Hind Legs: swimming
Special Characteristics:
The Gyrinidae are shiny black aquatic beetles. Their eyes are divided on each side of the head into two equal parts: one eye for seeing above the water surface, and one for seeing underwater. They have long front legs and short and flat middle and hind legs for swimming.
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Comments: The whirligig beetles are often seen in large colonies gliding in a circular movement on the surface of ponds and quiet streams. They are rapid swimmers, and are also found beneath the water surface.The adults feed on insects that fall onto the surface of the water, and the larvae feed on small aquatic animals, mostly insects (including other whirligig beetles).
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Species:
Dineutes discolor Aubé
Common Name:
Large whirligig beetle
Distribution:
Quebec
Comments:
Species of Dineutes are found on the surface of ponds and slow streams. Adults eat aquatic insects and those that fall into the water. The larvae feed on mites, snails and small aquatic insects.
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