Water beetle is the name given to many separate families of beetles that live in the water. Typical water beetles are the whirligigs, the predaceous diving beetles, and the giant water scavenger beetles. Some of these water beetles live in the water all their lives. Other water beetles live in or near the water only in the larval (young) stage.
Whirligigs whirl on the top of the water. They have short antennae (feelers), long-clawed front legs, and paddle-shaped hind legs. Their eyes are divided into a lower pair and an upper pair. Whirligigs produce an applelike scent when handled. Predaceous diving beetles have long, threadlike antennae. Their hind legs are flat and fringed. Giant water scavenger beetles have short, stubby antennae. Predaceous diving and giant water scavenger beetles are fierce predators. These beetles eat small fish and insect larvae.
