Wirligig Beetle

Wirligig, Gyrinidae, from Kenya, photo © by Michael Plagens. ID by mgeiser.

In a mountain stream on the Kongelai Escarpment, Kapenguria, Kenya. July 2014.

These familiar insects represent many species that look very similar without microscopic examination. With two compound eyes looking up and two more looking down these beetles are aware of their own predators from any direction. Insects that fall onto the water surface are the food source.

Gyrinidae -- Wirligig Beetle Family

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Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 1 April 2015