Whirligig beetle (Gyrinus natator) Royalty Free Science Image
Whirligig beetle (Gyrinus natator) Royalty FreeRef: 12640
Description: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.