backswimmer
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈbækˌswɪmər/
- Specialized
- The backswimmer is known for its aggressive hunting style, often ambushing smaller insects in the water.
Examples
-
Like the water boatmen and the backswimmers, the giant water bugs resemble beetles somewhat.
Academic text (1993) -
Backswimmers (Family Notonectidae).
Academic text (1993) -
In addition to several species of dragonfly nymphs that prey on mosquito larvae and tadpoles, I observed backswimmers, large predatory water bugs, feeding on them.
Academic text (1992) -
Backswimmers are aquatic insects that may be mistaken for beetles, but are, like the water boatmen, really in the order of "true bugs" (Hemiptera).
Academic text (1993) -
As midspring approaches, the importance of the mosquito and toad on each other diminishes, and voracious predators such as dragonflies and backswimmers become a greater concern.
Academic text (1992) -
While swimming at the lake, I was surprised to see a backswimmer calmly gliding on its back just below the surface.
-
During my research on freshwater ecosystems, I discovered that backswimmers play a crucial role in controlling pest populations.
Synonyms
A water insect that swims on its back and bites painfully
An insect that swims on its back under the water
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Backswimmer is a simple compound of back and swimmer, and it names an insect that swims 'on its back'. So the word tells you exactly how it moves and helps you remember that it can bite if you disturb it.