Whirligig Beetle vs Japanese Click Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Whirligig Beetle Japanese Click Beetle
Scientific Name Gyrinus natator Campsosternus gemma
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Gyrinidae Elateridae
Size 5-7 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Predators Wood Feeders
Regions Europe Japan, Taiwan, Southern China
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Whirligig Beetle

A small, oval, shiny black beetle that spins in rapid circles on the water surface. Its eyes are divided in two, allowing it to see above and below water simultaneously.

💡

Did You Know?

Whirligig beetles have uniquely split compound eyes, with one pair looking above the waterline and another pair looking below it at the same time.

Japanese Click Beetle

A spectacular metallic green and gold click beetle found in East Asian forests. It is one of the most brilliantly coloured elaterid beetles.

💡

Did You Know?

Its jewel-like metallic colouring has made it one of the most sought-after beetles in insect collections worldwide.