whirligig

A dark, shiny beetle that lives in groups on the surface of ponds; fast-moving, typically swimming in small circles using paddle-like middle and hind legs; eyes divided for vision above and below water surface; feeds on insects at water surface. (Order: Coleoptera. Family: Gyrinidae.)

A whirligig is an object that spins or whirls, or has at least one member that spins or whirls.

Since ancient times, a whirligig was a spinning punitive or torture contraption comprising a suspended cage-like device, see "Whirligig (torture)".

Modern whirligigs are generally decorative and entertaining, such as lawn ornaments and wind-powered hanging art. Paul Fleischman's book titled "Whirligig" is about a teenager who builds whirligigs as a way to repay the mother of a girl he killed in a drunk driving accident.