Dineutus mellyi insularis
Coleoptera / Family: Gyrinidae
- Total length
- 15-20 mm
- Range
- Tokunoshima, Okinoerabu-jima, and Okinawa Island
Gliding along the water surface, it dives underwater when sensing danger. In the diorama, it can be seen actively skimming around.
This subspecies of D. mellyi is black with a dark blue sheen on its back. Its compound eyes are divided into two sections, allowing it to see both underwater and above the water's surface simultaneously.
This carnivorous insect inhabits slow-moving streams and preys on fallen insects. Females lay their eggs on aquatic plants. After developing in the water, the larvae emerge onto the ground and form hemispherical pupal chambers by compacting soil.
Habitat of This Animal:
A:Forest along the valley - A2:Forest along the mountain streams
In Tokunoshima Island, abundant rainwater carved the ground, forming many rows of ridges and valleys. Plants adapting to the flowing and drying up of water grow in the harsh environment, where water swells and depletes every time rain falls. The waterfront is also a habitat for many creatures, including endemic species, with frogs and dragonflies breeding.
This A2:Forest along the mountain streams