“Like an underwater wolf, it hunts sick and weak water dwellers and also eats carrion.” But how does this Great Diving Beetle, one of 3,000 known aquatic beetles, stay underwater to hunt for 30 minutes at a time? The feat is made possible by a tiny bubble of air, a nature-made SCUBA tank that it traps under its wing case.
This Smithsonian Channel video from the Macro Worlds series showcases how this insect succeeds in the underwater world. Note: There are tadpoles and fish that do not survive the clip.
Here’s another look at these surprising creatures with KQED’s Deep Look: Nature’s Scuba Divers – How Beetles Breathe Underwater.
Plus, more beetles like these:
• A tortoise beetle taking off in slow motion
• Dung Beetle Battle
• How to make pancake beetles & caterpillars for breakfast
Curated, kid-friendly, independently-published. Support this mission by becoming a sustaining member today.