Water net
- Pronunciation
- /waw-ter net/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Water net
- Plural
- Water nets
Definition
A specialized net spun by certain aquatic insects, such as the larvae of black flies, for capturing food particles from flowing water.
Etymology
From Old English 'wæter' meaning 'water' and Middle English 'net' referring to a fabric used for catching.
Example
The black fly larvae spun a water net to capture detritus carried by the current.
Synonyms
- Aquatic net
Related Terms
Usage Notes
Water nets are typically constructed of silk, which is secreted by the insect larvae and anchored to submerged surfaces.