Smaller Water Striders
Veliidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Gerromorpha
- Superfamily: Gerroidea
- Family: Veliidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Veliidae: /wɛˈli.aɪ.iː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Veliidae, known as riffle bugs or small water striders, is a family of gregarious, predatory insects characterized by their ability to walk on water due to their specialized body structure and hydrofuge hairs. They play a significant role in aquatic ecosystems as predators and are found in various freshwater habitats worldwide.
Physical Characteristics
Oval to elongate body covered with hydrofuge hairs. Size ranges from 1.5 to 6 mm, with some exotic species up to 9 mm. The pronotum is broader than the abdomen, and hind femur is not longer than the abdomen. Males have smaller fore tibiae with a grasping comb, while females have larger plain tibiae.
Identification Tips
To distinguish adults from nymphs, note the meso- and metatarsi: nymphs have one-segmented tarsi, whereas adults have two-segmented tarsi. Veliidae can be differentiated from Gerridae through the examination of internal genitalia and the presence of hydrofuge hairs.
Habitat
Found on water surfaces among vegetation in temporary or permanent ponds, lake margins, placid areas of streams, and in rapids/riffles in streams. Some species may be found on plants away from water, as well as in saltwater habitats and mud flats.
Distribution
Veliidae has a global distribution, present on all continents except Antarctica. The family has centers of origin in the Indo-Malayan region and the shores of the Caribbean Sea.
Diet
Predaceous, feeding on other surface-dwelling arthropods, detecting prey via surface vibrations.
Life Cycle
Undergoes an egg, nymph, and adult stage with four or five nymphal instars. Eggs are usually laid underwater, attached to substrates like rocks or plant material, often held together by a gelatinous substance. Nymphs are similar to adults but with one-segmented tarsus on mid and hind legs.
Reproduction
Females generally lay under 30 eggs, which are attached to the substrate in aquatic environments. Adults and nymphs are often found together in loose communities.
Ecosystem Role
As predators of surface-dwelling arthropods, they play a role in aquatic food webs, controlling pest populations.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Veliidae
- water striders
- neuston
- rippling bugs
- ecology