GYRINIDAE

Author: John F. Lawrence.

Classification

Suborder Adephaga

Description

Antenae with 8-11 segments, clavate, or with a 6 to 8 segments club. Antennal insertions exposed or concealed. Visible portion of procoxa transverse with the trochantin concealed. Procoxal cavity externally open and internally closed. Mesocoxae separated by less than 0.4 X coxal width, with mesocoxal cavity laterally open. Tarsal formula 5-5-5. Numberof ventrites 7 with 3 connate. Body length 3.5-20 mm. Elliptical, glabrous. Antenna may appear 2- or 3-segmented. Eyes divided into 2 parts. Mid and hind legs flattened and oar-like.

Quick identification

The Gyrinidae is a very distinctive family that no one should have any trouble identifying. The divided eye, distinctive antennae with a modified pedicel and club-like flagellum, and paddle-like mid and hind legs are all unique.

Genera occurring in Costa Rica

Andogyrus, Dineutus, Enhydrus, Gyretes, Gyrinus.

© CSIRO Emtomology, 1999	© CSIRO Emtomology, 1999