Platyvelia
J. Polhemus & D. Polhemus, 1993
smaller water striders
Platyvelia is a of smaller in the , established by J. Polhemus and D. Polhemus in 1993. The genus contains seven described distributed in the Americas. These are small semiaquatic that inhabit the surface film of water bodies.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Platyvelia: //plæ.tiˈviː.li.ə//
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Identification
Members of Platyvelia can be distinguished from other by their relatively broad, flattened body form compared to the more elongate Microvelia. The genus name itself references this platy- (broad/flat) . Specific diagnostic features require examination of genitalic structures and detailed body proportions best assessed by .
Images
Habitat
Semiaquatic environments including the surface of streams, rivers, and other freshwater bodies. Specific microhabitat preferences vary by .
Distribution
Recorded from Colombia (CO) and distributed more broadly in the Americas based on -level distributions including Mexico and Central America.
Similar Taxa
- MicroveliaBoth are small , but Microvelia have more slender, elongate bodies while Platyvelia has a broader, flatter form.
- RhagoveliaRhagovelia is another with modified middle legs used as paddles for on flowing water; Platyvelia lacks these specialized leg modifications.
More Details
Species diversity
The contains seven described : P. alvaradana, P. annulipes, P. beameri, P. brachialis, P. maritima, P. summersi, and P. verana. Some sources have reported approximately nine species, suggesting potential taxonomic revisions or undescribed species.