Whirligig Beetles
Just before we enter the Mississippi River, whirligig beetles zip around in curious circular patterns. Whirligig beetles are found in the calm backwaters of the slough. They congregate in large numbers and scurry about the water surface in a random pattern. When handled, these beetles give off an apple-like odor. Whirligig beetles are unique in that their compound eyes are divided, giving them a four-eyed appearance. This eye division allows them to see above and below the water surface at the same time. A whirligig beetle swims in small circles. This motion gives them their name because they seem to whirl on the water’s surface. This whirling behavior confuses its predators.The beetle swims with half its body out of the water and half its body under the water. Their short, paddle-like back legs are used for swimming. Their long, slender front legs are used for grasping and gathering prey. Adult whirligig beetles are carnivores as well as scavengers. They prey on other aquatic insects and dead or dying insects that fall into the water. Adult Whirligig beetles have well-developed wings. This means they can fly from one pond to another if a water source dries up.
Female whirligig beetles lay their eggs in masses on underwater plants. The eggs hatch into larvae in about two weeks’ time. Whirligig beetle larvae are aquatic and carnivorous.