waterbug

Pond surface skimmer

Waterbug refers to several different insects.

In precise usage, it's an aquatic insect that lives in or on water—giant water bugs, water boatmen, and similar species.

In American vernacular, especially in northern cities, waterbug is a euphemism for cockroach, particularly the large American cockroach: I saw a waterbug in the kitchen.

The euphemism perhaps makes the infestation sound less shameful.

aquatic

pond

Small still body

lakeEnclosed body of freshwater
streamSteady continuous flow
freshwaterNon-saline aquatic environment

wetlands · swimming · underwater · submerged · habitat · ecosystem · ripples · currents · buoyancy · flotation

cockroach

roach

Hardy crawling pest

pestHarmful creature or nag
infestationPest takeover situation
kitchenFood preparation room

drain · sewer · scuttle · nocturnal · humid · tropical · exterminator · household · basement · apartment

insect

antennae

Sensory appendages on insects

exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
arthropodJointed-limb invertebrate phylum
six-leggedHaving half-dozen appendages

thorax · abdomen · nymph · molting · chitin · invertebrate · wings · lifecycle · larva · breathe

skimmer

waterstrider

Surface-skating aquatic insect

glideMove with effortless continuity
skateGliding boot or flatfish
hydrophobicRepels aqueous substances

meniscus · nimble · agile · skimming · float · patrol · ripple · legs · stride · dimple

predator

prey

Animal being hunted

ambushSurprise strike from concealment
captureTake into custody
pounceSudden attack leap

venom · piercing · inject · hunt · stalk · tadpole · minnow · bite · paralyze · digest

waterbug

pond

roach

antennae

waterstrider

prey

waterbug

Opposites

Categories

Family