Semiaquatic Bugs
Gerromorpha
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Gerromorpha
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Gerromorpha: //dʒɛ.ɹəˈmɔːɹ.fə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Gerromorpha, commonly referred to as semiaquatic bugs, is an infraorder within the Hemiptera order, characterized by their unique ability to walk on water surfaces due to water-repellent adaptations. They are primarily found in freshwater environments but also have species that inhabit marine settings.
Physical Characteristics
Most Gerromorpha have water-repellent legs that allow them to walk on the surface of water due to surface tension. They exhibit variations in body shapes among families, with many showing slender, elongated bodies suitable for their semi-aquatic lifestyles.
Identification Tips
Look for individuals skimming or walking on water surfaces. They can often be recognized by their long legs and flattened bodies, adapted for surface tension.
Habitat
Primarily found in water surface or riparian habitats close to freshwater edges, some species inhabit open ocean environments, marking them as the only truly marine insects.
Distribution
Over 2,100 species in approximately 160 genera worldwide, with around 110 species represented in six families in specific local areas.
Diet
Feed on living or dead arthropods that fall onto or float on the water surface.
Life Cycle
Details on specific life cycles may vary by family, but generally involve multiple nymphal stages before reaching maturity.
Ecosystem Role
As semiaquatic bugs, Gerromorpha play important roles in aquatic ecosystems, including serving as predators of smaller arthropods and as prey for other animals.
Collecting Methods
- Aquatic netting from the water surface
- Hand collection from shorelines
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Dry preservation in pinned collections
Evolution
The Gerromorpha are evolutionarily distinct within the Heteroptera, comprising eight families that are often arranged in a basal and advanced clade structure.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some may confuse Gerromorpha with other insects that share similar habitats but are not true bugs, such as certain beetles or non-aquatic insects.
Tags
- insects
- semiaquatic
- Gerridae
- water striders
- ecosystems
- habitats