Stenus stygicus
Say, 1831
Stenus stygicus is a in the Steninae, characterized by its ability to glide on water surfaces using specialized gland secretions. The occurs across North America from Canada through the United States to Mexico. Like other members of its , it employs a distinctive -capture mechanism involving the ballistic projection of mouthparts. It is one of numerous Stenus species documented in the region, with records spanning diverse from tundra to temperate and subtropical zones.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Stenus stygicus: //ˈstɛ.nʊs ˈstɪ.d͡ʒɪ.kʊs//
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Distribution
North America: Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Northwest Territories, Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon Territory), United States (all continental states including Alaska), and Mexico.
More Details
Taxonomic note
Authority year cited as 1831 in most sources, though NCBI lists 1834. Status as accepted supported by GBIF and iNaturalist; Catalogue of Life lists as synonym but this appears to reflect an alternative taxonomic treatment rather than nomenclatural synonymy.
Etymology
Specific epithet 'stygicus' derives from Latin Styx, referring to the mythological river of the underworld, likely alluding to the ' dark coloration or association with water margins.