- 56 species in North America
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Coleoptera |
| Family: | Gyrinidae |
Identification Tips:
• Elongated , narrow, white or cream coloured body
• 10 pair of stout projections from abdomen
• 4 hooks at tip of abdomen
• 3 pair of segmented legs, each ending in two claws
• 6-30 mm
Life History:
• Common near shore in streams, ponds and lakes
• Adults typically swim quickly in erratic patterns on surface, often in groups
• Dive and swim underwater when disturbed; breathe from air bubble trapped under wings
• Each eye is divided with half focused above water and half below
• Consume organic material or small invertebrates on water surface
• Not eaten by fish due to foul tasting chemical secretion
• Larvae typically climb and swim among aquatic plants
• Prey on worms, midge larvae, and other small invertebrates
• Pupate in small domes constructed of leaves or debris on ground, rocks, or on vegetation above water line
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Most | ||||
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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.
