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Whirligig Beetle

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Dineutus americanus

Range

There are about 700 different kinds found all over the world.

Habitat

They live on ponds and streams.

Body Traits

They look like black, shiny ovals swimming on the water. Their eyes are also divided into two parts so they can see both above and below the surface of the water.

Habits

They group together in large numbers and swim around in circles on top of the water. They are the only beetles that can swim on top of the water, using the surface tension of the water to help hold them up. They can also dive below the water's surface. They trap air bubbles under their belly to breathe so they can stay underwater longer.

Diet

They eat tiny insects that land on the water or find little bits of floating things (debris) to eat.

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Reproduction

Females lay eggs under the surface of the water.

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class:     Insecta
Order:     Coleoptera
Family: Gyrinidae
Genus:     Dineutus
Species: D. americanus

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