waterscorpion

[ waw-ter-skawr-pee-uh n, wot-er- ]
/ ˈwɔ tərˌskɔr pi ən, ˈwɒt ər- /

noun

any of several predaceous aquatic bugs of the family Nepidae, having clasping front legs and a long respiratory tube at the rear of the abdomen: capable of biting if handled.

Origin of waterscorpion

First recorded in 1675–85; water + scorpion

British Dictionary definitions for water scorpion

water scorpion

noun

any of various long-legged aquatic insects of the heteropterous family Nepidae, which breathe by means of a long spinelike tube that projects from the rear of the body and penetrates the surface of the water