Whirligigs

Posted by Graeme Lyons , Wednesday 30 March 2011 19:41

Here is a short video of some Common Whirligigs Gyrinus substriatus I took in the leat at Woods Mill a few days ago. I think they look like bumper cars, it seems like such an inefficient way to catch food spinning around like that. There is a key in British Wildlife but they are tricky and you will most likely have to dissect a specimen to get to species. It states that you are far more likely to see this species than any of the others. I wonder why one has the English name the Artist? Interesting how you can hear so much aviation noise in the video, wasn't even aware of it at the time and the Chiffchaff sounds pretty loud too.

2 Response to "Whirligigs"

Martin Harvey Says:

errmm, I think the "Artist" is the species Gyrinus urinator ... another word beginning with "p" forms the connection :-) (coleopterists have a unique sense of humour)

Graeme Lyons Says:

Thanks Martin, I was rather hoping it would be something like that!

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