There are three kinds of beetles that indicate moderate water quality. They are the Whirligig Beetle, Crawling Beetle, and the Predacious Diving Beetle. All three have different characteristics so you can tell them apart easily.
* Measures 3 mm to 15 mm long. * Have compound eyes that are divided into two parts. One part is for seeing under water and one is for above water.* Have two segmented antennae. Used for detecting tiny wavelengths on water surfaces. Wave lengths warn beetle of predators or of preys. * Adult Whirligig Beetles eat aquatic insects and other small insects. * Have short paddle - like or oar-like hind legs made for swimming. They have long slender forelegs to catch prey with. * Legs can beat 60 times per second on the water surface. * Are able to dive underwater by trapping an air bubble underneath the belly. Oxygen can be absorbed from the water and carbon dioxide released into the water. It is like having underwater lungs. * Gather in large numbers and swim within the group. This is how they received their name because they seem to dance or 'gig'. |