Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Most people get dizzy if they spin around, but whirligig beetles don't! This group of beetles is known for spinning in erratic circles on the surface of lakes and ponds, much like the whirling children's toys they're named after! Whirligig beetles spend almost their whole lives in the water, and as result have developed unique adaptations including two pairs of compound eyes-- one to look over the water's surface and another to look underwater.

(Image: A whirligig beetle (family Gyrinidae) with an air bubble attached to its abdomen for breathing, by Jim Rathert)

If you send me proof that you’ve made a donation to UNRWA or another organization benefiting Palestinians– including esim donations– I’ll make art of any animal of your choosing.

As a bonus, enjoy this very relaxing video of whirligig beetles swimming on the water:

every time i see a picture of a whirligig beetle in the genus Porrorhynchus all i can see is an angry wizard about to death blast me

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thinking about whirligig beetles

The Eight of Shells encapsulates themes of transition, abandonment, and the pursuit of inner fulfillment. It often serves as a visual metaphor for the pivotal decision to leave behind something emotionally unfulfilling or something we have outgrown. This card asks us to welcome change, heed the call of our inner selves, and embark on a quest for deeper personal growth and meaning.

The aquatic whirligig beetles navigate both the water's surface and the depths below, with their unique eyes capable of simultaneously perceiving above and below waterline worlds. Their inherent ability to transition between environments serves as a powerful symbol for embracing diverse experiences and seeking a higher understanding of the environment.

This card tells the story of a willingness to leave behind the familiar, setting sail on a journey in search of something more meaningful. It serves as a reminder that personal growth often necessitates the courage to depart from the safe harbors of what's known and venture into uncharted territories. It underscores that by shedding what no longer serves us, we fling open the doors to new experiences and deeper wisdom.

In essence, the whirligig beetles, with their dynamic existence and adaptability, are living metaphors for the transformative power of embracing change. Their presence in this card speaks to the idea that by recognizing when it's time to cast off the anchors of the past and by courageously facing new challenges, we can find a more meaningful path forward on the journey of life. The Eight of Shells is a potent reminder that our pursuit of inner fulfillment and personal growth often involves abandoning the old and familiar, thus allowing room for new experiences to flourish. It encourages us to be unafraid to navigate the currents of change and welcome the winds of transformation with open arms.

Prints available on Redbubble and Inprnt

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Gyrinid summer: photographing whirligig beetles

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Whirligig Beetle Pot

To every thing there is a season WHIRL WHIRL WHIRL

Whirligig Beetle are aquatic insects in the Gyrinidae family, often seen performing a mad whirling dance in ponds and puddles.

whirligig beetle eyes, for keeping track of above and below the water’s surface

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Whirligig beetle_ Gyrinidae

What Bug Is This 19: Whirligigs

image source: kueda, public domain

Common name(s): whirligigs, whirligig beetles

Scientific name: family Gyrinidae

Can it hurt me?: They're too small to bite. The most they can do is excrete defensive chemicals that smell like apples. It doesn't do anything to humans.

Can it hurt my plants?: No

Should I kill it?: No

Anything else I should know?: Even if you didn't recognize the beetle from the photo, you've probably seen them zipping along really fast on the surface of ponds or lakes. They have four eyes: two below the water's surface and two above. Sometimes they will cluster together for safety and to increase the efficiency of their swimming. They prey on very small insects.

The entomology class here at WSU went to Ninnescah Biological Reserve last night to blacklight for insects. Lots of people added new orders and lots of new families to their collections. This video is of Whirlygig beetles (Gyrinidae) in the genera Dineutus and Gyrinus swimming around on the Ninnescah River

Gyrinidae

http://dlvr.it/Phbq9f

Whirligig Beetle Pot

To every thing there is a season WHIRL WHIRL WHIRL

Whirligig Beetle are aquatic insects in the Gyrinidae family, often seen performing a mad whirling dance in ponds and puddles.