Dineutus mellyi

(Regimbart, 1882)

Vernacular names
English : Melly’s whirligig beetle
French : Gyrin de Melly

Classification
Class : Insecta
Order : Coleoptera
Family : Gyrinidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach nearly 2 cm in length. Torpedo-shaped body with shiny brown to black elytra. Head is small and round. Legs are hidden under body and used for swimming. Eyes are split in two, half can see under water, half above.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in eastern Asia. It can be found mostly in Japan and Taiwan. Lives in lakes, ponds and still areas of slow-moving rivers.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species’ status has yet to be assessed. It is considered to be common throughout its range.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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