The Great Diving Beetle Hunts Underwater Like a Tiny Shark

There are so many different species of beetles, each with its own unique appearance and set of traits. Among all these beetles, have you ever heard of the great diving beetle? As its name suggests, this beetle specializes in underwater environments, which is unusual for most insects. A video by the Smithsonian Channel shows these beetles diving underwater to hunt. Read below to learn more about the great diving beetle and how it can stay underwater while hunting.

All About the Great Diving Beetle

The great diving beetle, whose scientific name is Dytiscus marginalis, is a species of beetle native to Europe and northern Asia. They are most commonly seen in the United Kingdom, inhabiting various aquatic environments such as ponds, marshes, and other still waters. They have adapted to aquatic environments for several reasons, but primarily to take advantage of the rich food sources that water provides. The small bodies of water that these beetles dive into are rich in prey and have little competition. The water also helps the beetles avoid predators. Although they are small in absolute terms, great diving beetles are considered large compared to other beetle species. With a length of around one inch and a width of half an inch, these beetles play an important role in freshwater ecosystems. These beetles essentially found a niche and took advantage of it!

The great diving beetle can breathe underwater, but it does so differently from a fish. The beetle carries an air bubble from the surface beneath its wing covers, specifically under its elytra. This pocket connects to the beetle’s respiratory system, allowing it to breathe from the bubble it brought with it. The air bubble functions similarly to a gill, allowing the beetle to absorb oxygen from the surrounding water and release carbon dioxide. Some larger species of diving beetles can remain underwater for up to 30 minutes in ideal conditions, thanks to the air bubble they carry beneath their wing covers.

Ideal Adaptations

Over centuries of evolution, these beetles have developed several adaptations that help them thrive in aquatic environments. Some species have hairs called setae on their elytra that can absorb oxygen from the water around them. Their legs are flat and broad, acting as paddles in the water to help them move more quickly. Along with this, they have a complex limb structure that allows them to maneuver quickly in seemingly any direction. Combined with their smooth body surface, they are extremely efficient swimmers for their tiny size. With their strong mandibles, they are ruthless predators. They hunt tadpoles, small fish, worms, and snails, and also scavenge dead animals.

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