Sunburst Diving Beetle
Even though they spend most of their time underwater, these yellow-spotted bugs breathe oxygen. They take air in through holes in the sides of their body. Before a dive, a sunburst diving beetle floats at the surface of the water. It holds the tip of its abdomen above the water and gathers air under its black wing covers. When it swims underwater, the air fills a bubble at its rear end, and the bug can take a “breath” when needed.
Sunburst diving beetles are super swimmers, but they can fly, too. Sometimes, if they are living in a small pond that dries up, they need to find a new home. No problem! These bugs just flap up, up, and away to another pond.
Area:
Southwestern United States, Mexico
Habitat:
Ponds
Food:
Mosquito larvae and other invertebrates
Size:
up to 3/4 inch long
Babies:
Larvae are called “water tigers.”
(source:google/http://adminkids.sandiegozoo.org/)
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