Whirligig Beetle Under the Microscope

What's under the microscope this week? Is it a submarine? No... It's a whirligig beetle.

Whirligig beetles (Family Gyrinidae) are some of the coolest freshwater insects found in this landscape. Their common name comes from how they swim frantically in circles when they feel threatened. With shiny bodies and divided eyes that allow them to see both above and below water, they should be referred to as submarines. Their legs are modified for both clinging and swimming and would definitely give paddlers a swim for their money. While the larvae live underwater, preying on smaller arthropods, the adults paddle on the surface of the water, only diving down to escape predators.