Water Beetles

Beetles are differentiated from bugs by having the first pair of wings developed into armored shields, which protect the second pair of wings and the soft body. They can still fly with their second pair of wings, which fold up out of sight when not in use. Only adults are shown here.

Water Scavenger Beetle

Water Scavenger Beetle
Hydrophilus triangularis
to 1.3"

Adults feed mainly on plant matter; larvae are carnivorous. Other diving beetles are predatory.



Whirligig Beetle

Whirligig Beetle
Dineutes spp.
to 1/2"

Whirligigs are generally found skating along the surface, although they are also good divers and fliers.


Jellyfishes
Moon Jellies Aurelia aurita (left) and
Red Jelly Cyanea capillata (right)

Jellyfishes are free-swimming relatives of corals, anemones, and hydroids. In fact, in many cases, they are the same species, just in a different stage of life! Not all medusas ( as jellyfishes are called ) have a corresponding polyp stage, and likewise, not all polyps have a corresponding medusa stage, but most alternate generations in each form. Small jellies ( up to 1" across ) are most likely the medusa stage of some hydroid, while large jellies are usually the dominant stage of a species in which the polyp stage is almost absent. Even anemones have a periodic medusa stage, although it is infrequently observed.

Although jellyfish can swim slowly, they are largely at the mercy of the tides and currents, and at times large numbers are concentrated into bays and may be stranded on beaches.

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