Gyrinus convexiusculus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gyrinus convexiusculus |
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| Gyrinus convexiusculus illustration by Des Helmore. | |
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Gyrinus
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| Species: |
convexiusculus
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Gyrinus convexiusculus is a fascinating type of whirligig beetle. These beetles are famous for their unique way of swimming and spinning on the water's surface! A scientist named Macleay first described this particular species in 1871.
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
This beetle is quite small. It usually measures between 3.5 and 4.8 millimeters long. That's less than half a centimeter! It has a shiny black body.
Gyrinus convexiusculus is the tiniest whirligig beetle found in Australia. Interestingly, the ones found in New Zealand are often a bit bigger. Males there average about 4.4 millimeters, and females are around 4.6 millimeters.
Where Does It Live?
You can find Gyrinus convexiusculus along the eastern coast of Australia. They live from Darwin all the way down to Victoria. They are most commonly seen around Brisbane.
These beetles also live in other parts of the world. They have been found in South Asia, China, Indonesia, New Zealand, and New Caledonia.
A New Zealand Mystery
In New Zealand, this beetle has a special story. It was first recorded there in the 1870s. But then, for about 100 years, no one saw it! It was like they disappeared.
Then, in 1977, they were found again in the Waikato region. Later, they were spotted in Northland (in Mangonui in 1983 and Marsden Point in 1989).
Gyrinus convexiusculus is the only whirligig beetle species in New Zealand. Scientists are still not sure if these beetles have always lived there or if they recently traveled from Australia on their own.
Their Favorite Homes
These beetles love to live in shallow fresh water. You can often find them in small peat lakes. They also like man-made dams. They need calm water to spin around!
See also
In Spanish: Gyrinus convexiusculus para niños
