Species of the Month: July

The Gyrinidae are a family of charismatic aquatic Coleoptera commonly known as whirligig beetles, for their gyrating swimming style. Gyrinids are peculiar for having completely divided eyes giving them the appearance of having four eyes: two that peer above the water and two that peer below the water. They swim about on the surface tension of the water kicking with two pairs of paddle-like legs. The species selected for this month is a whirligig beetle in the genus Gyretes. Gyretes can be characterized by a furry pubescence that usually outlines most of the beetle´s body. However, the Gyretes selected here is nearly completely covered in this hairy pubescence. It also happens to be one of the largest known Gyretes. It is found here in Venezuela and I (Grey) am hoping that I will have the opportunity to collect this charismatic gyrinid on this trip.

Species of the Month: June

Our very first species of the month is a new species of water scavenger beetle in the genus Oocyclus. It doesn’t have a name yet, so feel free to suggest one! This little iridescent green sphere lives in rock seeps and the spray zones of waterfalls in the Venezuelan Andes (in this case, near Trujillo). I’ll take this opportunity to note the blog title refers to the lab’s research interest in insects that live in these kinds of habitats. So far, our work in Venezuela has found 15 new species in this genus. Based on this and preliminary data from elsewhere, it would not be surprising if northern South America was home to 50 or more species. These guys tend to be relatively localized to regional mountain chains, with 2 to 4 species endemic to each chain. I don't have a good up-close habitus photo yet. I'll post one when I do; they look cooler in their element anyway.