Gyrinus woodruffi

Fall, 1922

whirligig beetle

Gyrinus woodruffi is a of whirligig beetle in the Gyrinidae, described by Fall in 1922. It is found in North America. Like other members of the Gyrinus, it is a small, aquatic that lives on the water surface in known as "rafts."

Gyrinus woodruffi by (c) Matthew Pintar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matthew Pintar. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gyrinus woodruffi: /dʒaɪˈraɪnəs ˈwʊdˌrʌfi/

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Habitat

Aquatic environments, specifically the surface waters of rivers and streams. Based on observations of in the Ozark region, likely inhabits clear, cool waters over gravelled bottoms in forested landscapes.

Distribution

North America. Specific range details beyond continental distribution are not documented in available sources.

Similar Taxa

Dineutus spp.The only other of whirligig beetles in Missouri and much of eastern North America. Dineutus are larger (~12 mm versus ~5-7 mm for Gyrinus), have a hidden scutellum, and rounded elytral apices, whereas Gyrinus species are smaller with exposed scutellum and more pointed .

More Details

Taxonomic note

Gyrinus woodruffi is one of approximately 15 of Gyrinus documented from North America. The Gyrinus is distinguished from the only other North American genus, Dineutus, primarily by smaller body size and exposed scutellum.