Webspinners

Definition

A common name for insects belonging to the order Embioptera, characterized by their use of silk from glands located on their tarsi (front legs) to spin silken passageways.

Etymology

From the Greek words 'embios', meaning 'having life,' and 'ptera', meaning 'wings'.

Example

Webspinners build intricate networks of silken tunnels within which they live and forage.

Related Terms

• Embioptera
• Silk
• Tunnels