Riffle beetles
Scientific name: Elmidae
Riffle beetles
Scientific name: Elmidae
Description
Elmidae are exquisitely adapted to life in running water. Contrary to what one might assume, these beetles do not merely float or swim on the water's surface; they are intricately adapted to cling to and crawl on submerged rocks and debris, exploiting the oxygen-rich environments of fast-flowing streams. A remarkable adaptation of the Elmidae is their specialized claws and hairy pads, allowing them to resist the pull of the current, a necessity in their turbulent habitats.