Gyrinus wallisi

Gyrinus species are generally smaller than the other North American whirligig genus Dineutus (which reaches ~12 mm), and possess an exposed scutellum. Dineutus species have a concealed scutellum and more rounded elytral apices. Species-level identification within Gyrinus requires examination of ventral characters.

As a whirligig beetle, this species inhabits the surface film of freshwater bodies. Related species in the family are associated with clear, slow-moving or standing waters including rivers, streams, and pools.

North America. Documented from Alberta, British Columbia, and Labrador in Canada.

Whirligig beetles in the family Gyrinidae characteristically form aggregations or 'rafts' on the water surface. These aggregations function in predator detection through increased vigilance from multiple sets of eyes, and may serve as aposematic signals warning of noxious defensive chemicals produced in the pygidial glands.

• DineutusThe only other whirligig beetle genus in North America; distinguished by larger size (~12 mm vs. smaller Gyrinus), concealed scutellum, and more rounded elytral apices

• aquatic
• surface-dwelling
• predator avoidance
• aggregation behavior

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Gyrinidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Cold and wet | Beetles In The Bush