zooneuston Those animals associated with the surface of water, mainly in freshwater habitats, and influenced by surface tension. The group is divided into those associated with the upper surface of the film, to which the term ‘epineustic’ is applied, and those associated with the lower surface, described as ‘hyponeustic’. Many organisms show adaptation to this environment (e.g. some Hemiptera have pads at the ends of their legs that enable them to walk across the water surface). See also NEUSTON.

zooneuston Those animals associated with the surface of water, mainly in freshwater habitats, and influenced by surface tension. The group is divided into those associated with the upper surface of the film, to which the term ‘epineustic’ is applied, and those associated with the lower surface, described as ‘hyponeustic’. Many organisms show adaptation to this environment (e.g. some bugs of the order Hemiptera have pads at the ends of their legs that enable them to walk across the water surface). See also neuston.