Whirligig Beetle

Dineutus discolor

Whirligig Beetles are fun little bugs that love to zoom around on the water's surface. They have big eyes that help them see above and below the water at the same time!

Habitat: Ponds and lakes

Appearance

The Whirligig Beetle has a sleek, oval body that is shiny black or dark metallic, appearing flattened and streamlined for water. It is uniquely identifiable by its eyes, which are split to allow simultaneous viewing above and below the water.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyGyrinidaeGenusDineutus

Whirligig Beetle

Interesting facts

Baby whirligig beetles have feathery gills along their bodies to breathe underwater!

They often "dance" in swirling groups on the water's surface to confuse attackers!

Whirligig beetles can also swim *underwater* by trapping an air bubble to breathe!

Whirligig beetles have extremely sensitive antennae for detecting ripples on water!

Special abilities

Whirligig Beetles have uniquely divided eyes that let them see both above and below the water at the same time.

Whirligig Beetles can swiftly glide across the water's surface because of their flattened, oval body shape.

Whirligig Beetles can release a foul-smelling chemical that helps them deter predators when threatened.

Whirligig Beetles can create ripples on the water to send signals and find mates.

Measurements & details

Wingspan: 10-20 mm
Size: 5-10 mm
Lifespan: 150-300 days
Flight Speed: 10 km/h
Leg Count: 6

Diet & Feeding

Whirligig beetles are agile hunters that eat smaller insects found on or near water.

Age differences: Larvae also hunt small aquatic invertebrates.

Primary Foods

mosquito larvae
small aquatic insects
daphnia
small crustaceans

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Yellow Fever Mosquito

Aedes aegypti

Whirligig beetles actively hunt mosquito larvae in water.

eaten by

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fish like perch prey on adult and larval whirligig beetles.

eaten by

American Bullfrog

Rana catesbeiana

Bullfrogs are known to eat various aquatic insects, including beetles.

eaten by

Mallard

Anas platyrhynchos

Ducks often feed on insects found on the water's surface.

Traits

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