Water Beetles ~ New Jersey Scuba Diving

Water Beetles

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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
Hydrophilus triangularis
to 1.3"

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

Whirligig Beetle
Dineutes spp.
to 1/2"

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

Insects

Insects are almost completely lacking in the marine environment. I recall something about saltwater having a very bad effect on their lungless respiratory system ( although this does not affect spiders. ) Insects are quite common in freshwater environments though, both as larvae and adults. A little digging can turn up myriad types, but be careful, some of them can bite very painfully.

More: Insects ...

Water Beetles

Insects

Hornwort