water beetle

views updated May 21 2018

water beetle Aquatic beetle. Whirligig beetles (family Gyrinidae) skim around the surface of water, feeding on small insects. Water scavenger beetles (family Hydrophilidae) feed on water plants. Their larvae are fierce predators. Predaceous diving beetles are the most numerous water beetles. They are black, brown, or greenish and can remain underwater for long periods. They prey on snails and fish.

World Encyclopedia

whirligig beetle

views updated May 29 2018

whirligig beetle Medium-sized, dark-coloured water beetle often seen resting or gyrating on the surface of a still pool. They prey on small insects. Family Gyrinidae.

World Encyclopedia

water beetle

views updated May 21 2018

water beetle See HYDROPHILIDAE.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

whirligig beetle

views updated May 29 2018

whirligig beetle See GYRINIDAE.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

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water beetle

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