whirligig beetle

Aquatic steel-black beetle with an oval, flattened body. The second and third pairs of legs are exceptionally short and broad, and are used for paddling in the water. About 400 species have been recorded.

Classification The whirligig beetle is in the family Gyrinidae, order Coleoptera, class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda.

Whirligig beetles are usually found in groups whirling around on the water surface. When disturbed they dart into the water. Both adults and larvae are carnivorous, feeding on small insects that fall onto the water. The adults have well developed wings and are capable of flying from one pond to the next.