Whirligig Beetle ©Amy Lewis
Whirligig beetle
Ever wondered what that little black dot whirling in circles on the top of the water of a pond is? Those are whirligig beetles! Often seen shooting across the water surface on the hunt for its next meal.
Scientific name
Gyrinus substriatusWhen to see
January to DecemberSpecies information
About
You may have seen this little black beetle whirling around on the top of the water in a pond or slow-moving river. Their back legs are short and flat so act as the perfect paddle for shooting across the water surface on the hunt for small insects. They also dive underwater to catch other animals for a tasty treat.How to identify
The Whirligig beetle is shiny black, with orange legs, and is oval in shape. Its back legs are like flattened paddles. Its circling behaviour is unmistakeable.Distribution
Widespread.Did you know?
Whirligig beetles have two pairs of compound eyes: one pair looks upwards, over the water's surface, while the other looks down, underwater.
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