| Whirligig
Beetle and Larva
Whirligig Beetles are so named because they swim
in circles. They are also called "apple smellers"
and "mellow bugs" because they have a fruity odour
when handled.
What they look like:
The Whirligig Beetle is a streamlined, oval beetle.
Its two hind pairs of legs are short and flattened like
oars and propel the beetle quickly across the water.
The long front legs are used for grasping. The Whirligig
Larva has a long, segmented body, with many legs.
Size:
5-25 mm long.
Where they live:
Whirligig Beetles and their larvae live on the surface
of the water on the edges of ponds and streams.
What they eat:
The Whirligig has biting mouthparts and eats insects that
have fallen into the water or under the water (which they
dive for). Whirligig larvae eat soft-bodied worms
and insect larvae.
Pollution
tolerance: Tolerant, rating 4.
Whirligig beetles can leave a pond easily by flying
to another, if the conditions are unsuitable. |
What’s interesting about
the Whirligig?
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