Embioptera sp. (order)

Unidentified webspinner at Cook, ACT

Embioptera sp. (order) at Cook, ACT - 27 Nov 2017
Embioptera sp. (order) at Cook, ACT - 27 Nov 2017
Embioptera sp. (order) at Cook, ACT - 27 Nov 2017
Embioptera sp. (order) at Cook, ACT - 27 Nov 2017
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Identification history

Embioptera sp. (order) 26 Nov 2017 KimPullen
Unidentified 26 Nov 2017 CathB

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User's notes

Webspinner? Found in the kitchen sink this morning. When transferred to container, ran round it backwards! Top and bottom views shown.

3 comments

KimPullen wrote:
   27 Nov 2017
I think this is the first webspinner on CNM! They are adept at running backwards; they normally live in silken tunnels and can move in both directions just as easily. If this one was inside your house, it was probably attracted to electric light.
RogerF wrote:
   27 Nov 2017
Definitely a web spinner, a much overlooked insect Order. I last saw one in Wadbilliga NP. The world expert in their taxonomy, biology and identification was Dr Edward Ross of the California Academy of Sciences, who died in March 2016 at the age of 100.
CathB wrote:
   27 Nov 2017
Thanks for the info. I have now added another picture with scale included. Unfortunately, not a very inspiring place to find such an interesting insect!

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Location information

Sighting information

  • 1 Abundance
  • 27 Nov 2017 12:26 PM Recorded on
  • CathB Recorded by

Additional information

  • 5mm to 12mm Animal size

Species information

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