Aquarius nebularis
(Drake & Hottes, 1925)
Aquarius nebularis is a water strider in the Gerridae, first described by Drake & Hottes in 1925. measure 14–16 mm in length. The species belongs to the A. elongatus species group within the Aquarius.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aquarius nebularis: /əˈkwɛəriəs ˌnɛbjʊˈlɑːrɪs/
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Identification
Closely related to and potentially confusable with Aquarius conformis, with which it shares eastern North American distribution. Definitive identification requires examination of male genitalia or other subtle morphological features distinguishing members of the A. elongatus group. The 14–16 mm size is at the upper range for North American Aquarius species.
Images
Appearance
reach 14–16 mm in body length. As a member of the Aquarius, individuals possess the elongated body form and long, slender legs characteristic of large water striders. The exhibits typical gerrid with hydrophobic leg setae enabling surface tension locomotion.
Habitat
Aquatic surface including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams where calm water surfaces allow for surface tension locomotion.
Distribution
Eastern United States, ranging from New York south to central Florida and west to Louisiana, Arkansas, and Iowa.
Similar Taxa
- Aquarius conformisClosely related within the A. elongatus species group; also occurs in eastern North America and requires detailed morphological examination for differentiation.