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These
beetles are most commonly seen whirling rapidly about on the surface
of fresh water streams and ponds, hence their common name. Whirligig
beetles often swim together in large groups looking for dead or
injured insects to feed on. When disturbed they quickly dive below
the surface. These beetles have eyes which are divided into two
separate parts. The top part of the eye is used for vision above
the water while the bottom part is used for seeing below the water
surface at the same time.
Whirligig
beetles are distinctively elongated and flattened for life in the water.
They have short, thick antennae and their middle and hind legs are modified
into short, flat paddles. Their forelegs are long and used for grasping
prey.
The
larvae of whirligig beetles are fully aquatic and spend most of their
time on the substrate feeding on aquatic invertebrates. The larvae breathe
through gills on their abdomen and when mature the final instar leaves
the water to pupate in a cocoon above the water line.
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