Page "Whirligig beetle" Paragraph 2

Whirligig beetles are most conspicuous by reason of their bewildering swimming, but their coloration is not showy and commonly they can be quite hard to see if they are not moving or are under water.

However, seen to best effect most species are handsomely coloured with a sombre lustre of steely grey or bronze.

Their integument is finely sculpted with little pits ; it is hard and elastic and produces a water repellent waxy outer layer, constantly supplemented.

Among other functions, the lubricant layer and smooth outline make the beetles remarkably difficult to hold onto if caught ; they slip from between one's fingers like a fresh orange pip.