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Macrogyrus striolatus
Length 12mm. Metallic grey, flattened & torpedo shaped. They have long front legs & short, paddle-shaped hind & middle legs. These beetles have divided eyes that enable them to see above & below water surface simultaneously. They feed on live & dead insects floating on water surface. When disturbed, they swim in rapid circles, hence the name :)
Freshwater. They swim in groups on the surface of still pools & back-waters. There are several species & are widespread in Eastern Australia.
Spotted on Sep 20, 2012
Submitted on Sep 20, 2012
2 Comments
Thank you Austin :)
Most likely from the family Gyrinidae. Great shot.