Crossword Genius

A world wide threat to insect life? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

web

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'life?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both animals as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for web that I've seen before include "The world wide one of the Internet" , "Intricate network" , "Spider's snare" , "Oh what a tangled one we weave, when first we practise to deceive" , "Spider's trap" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app