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.