Family: Gyrinidae, Whirligig Beetles view all from this family

Description 1/8-1/4" (3-7 mm). Broadly oval and flattened. Shiny black above, black to yellowish brown on sides and below. Distinct shield-shaped scutellum behind pronotum. Each elytron has 11 rows of minute pits.

Food Adult preys on aquatic insects and small insects that fall into the water. Larva eats aquatic insects and mites.

Life Cycle Eggs are laid in masses or rows on submerged plants. Aquatic larvae hunt prey, then crawl out of the water onto rocks or vegetation to construct pupal shelters. Adults overwinter in leaf litter near ponds and streams. 1 generation a year.

Habitat Surface film of ponds and slow streams.

Range Throughout North America.

Discussion Whirligig beetles in this genus have the scutellum more exposed than members of the genus Dineutus. The different species can be identified only on the basis of male genitalia.