Whirligig beetle (Gyrinus natator) Royalty Free Science Image

Ref: 12640



Whirligig beetle. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of the head of a whirligig beetle, Gyrinus natator. Whirligig beetles are small, shiny black insects that skim round and round on the surface of still or slow-moving water. Each compound eye is divided into two parts. The upper part of the eye is for looking over the water surface and the lower part is for seeing down into the water. Between the two eye parts are the short antennae. At centre are the beetle's strong mouth parts used for biting prey. Two sensory palps (drumstick-like) descend from near the mouth. Magnification x24 at 6x6cm size.