Before we go into Scavenger Beetles, I would like to clear up something...
Whirligigs are not Diving Beetles...
...but this is a common mistake to make as they almost look exactly the same. Here is how to tell the difference between them:
This is a Diving Beetle because of it's antennae and because it has no front 'pincers'.
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This is a Whirligig as it has no antennae and does have 'pincers'
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Now try to tell the difference...
Whirligigs tend to float and swim on the surface of water, and only dive when they are threatened, whereas diving beetles spend most of their time right underwater, only surfacing to breathe.
Water Scavenger Beetles:
Water scavenger beetles are also commonly mistaken for diving beetles, as they look almost the same. Here is how to tell them apart in a simple step by step guide...