whirligig beetle

American  

noun

1. any of numerous aquatic beetles of the family Gyrinidae, commonly seen in groups circling about rapidly on the surface of the water.

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whirligig beetle British  

noun

1. any flat-bodied water beetle of the family Gyrinidae, which circles rapidly on the surface of the water

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Etymology

Origin of whirligig beetle

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

For the whirligig beetle to achieve such fast swimming speeds, its legs would need to push against the water at unrealistic speeds.

From Science Daily • Jan. 8, 2024

The gyrinus, or "whirligig beetle," whose dwelling-place during the greater portion of its life is, like that of the crayfish, in ponds and streams, has remarkably acute vision.

From The Dawn of Reason or, Mental Traits in the Lower Animals by Weir, James

Henry Chatham's eyes wandered to the fish bowl, where the whirligig beetle had come to the top again and was describing intricate patterns among the water plants.

From The Rotifers by Abernathy, Robert

On Wednesday evening, he glanced at the fish bowl and noticed that the water beetle, the whirligig beetle, was missing.

From The Rotifers by Abernathy, Robert

But the whirligig beetle saw the hand coming, and, quicker than a wink, plunged under the water and scooted rapidly to the very bottom of the bowl.

From The Rotifers by Abernathy, Robert