Latin: Embioptera — A Niche Player in Fly Fishing
Webspinners are tiny, silk-spinning insects that craft elaborate web-like shelters using silk glands in their front legs.
Global Hotspots: Where to Find Webspinners
This map highlights sightings of Webspinners worldwide, revealing their widespread yet patchy distribution. Keep in mind that this insect order encompasses multiple families and hundreds of species, each with unique habitats.
Diversity & Global Spread
The Embioptera order, or webspinners, is a lesser-known group of around 400 species, distinguished by their slender bodies, oversized front legs, and remarkable silk-producing skills. Key families include Embiidae, Oligotomidae, and Clothodidae.
These insects thrive in tropical and subtropical zones, with populations scattered across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. They adapt to diverse settings—forests, grasslands, and even urban spaces—often hiding in rock crevices, under bark, or within leaf litter.
From Egg to Adult: The Webspinner Life Cycle
Webspinners progress through three phases: egg, nymph, and adult. Females deposit eggs inside their silk tunnels, shielding their young from predators. Nymphs resemble miniature adults but lack wings, molting several times before maturity. Adults remain in their silken homes, feeding on decaying plant matter and fungi.
Do Webspinners Matter in Fly Fishing?
While not a staple in fish diets, webspinners near water bodies in warm climates may occasionally attract fish. If you’re fishing in tropical regions, check with local experts to see if an Embioptera-inspired fly pattern could be useful.