water boatman

noun

any of numerous aquatic insects of the family Corixidae, having paddlelike hind legs.

water boatman

any of various aquatic bugs of the families Notonectidae and Corixidae, having a flattened body and oarlike hind legs, adapted for swimming

First recorded in 1805–15

We like to think of the water boatman cheerily rowing about and diving among the reflections of the trees.

Then there is the water-boatman, which always swims on its back.

The water boatman is much more compact in form than the Orthoptera, or any of the other insects we have studied.

Unlike the water boatman, however, its back is not flat but is shaped like the keel of a boat.

The insect known as the water boatman has a regular pair of oars, his legs being used as such.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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