Sunburst Diving Beetle
Thermonectus marmoratus
Range
- The Southwest United States and Northern Mexico
Habitat
- Ponds, lakes, and water troughs
Diet
- Small aquatic invertebrates
A bubble of air collected and stored under their wings allows these beetles to stay underwater for extended periods.
Thanks to flash floods which are common in the desert, dry creek beds and gulches fill and create perfect habitats for these aquatic beetles. Despite being a “diving beetle,” they have wings and will fly to find a new water source if their current one dries up.