Cedar Creek
Natural History Area


Insects of Cedar Creek

Order COLEOPTERA

Family GYRINIDAE

(Whirligig Beetles)

(Table of Species)

The Whirligig Beetles (58 NA spp) are represented by the large Dineutus (3+spp--assimilis, hornii, nigrior) and the small Gyrinus (??spp incl minutus). Adults feed on injured insects on the surface; larvae are underwater predators. The adults swim in rafts on the water surface and have two pair of eyes--one above and one below the water's surface.


jhaar@lter.umn.edu Last updated May, 2000