Whirligig Beetle vs Japanese Giant Stonefly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Whirligig Beetle Japanese Giant Stonefly
Scientific Name Gyrinus natator Oyamia lugubris
Order Coleoptera Plecoptera
Family Gyrinidae Perlidae
Size 5-7 mm 25-35 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Mountains
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Japan
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.

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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 Giant Stonefly

A large predatory stonefly found in mountainous streams of Japan. Nymphs have powerful mandibles for capturing prey in swift currents.

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Did You Know?

It is an indicator of pristine water quality in Japanese mountain streams.