Macroveliidae
McKinstry, 1942
Macroveliid Shore Bugs
Genus Guides
2is a of small shore bugs in the infraorder Dipsocoromorpha, containing at least four extant and one fossil genus. Members are associated with aquatic and semi-aquatic . The family was established by McKinstry in 1942 and is placed in the superfamily Hebroidea.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Macroveliidae: /ˌmækroʊˈvɛli.aɪdiː/
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Identification
Members of can be distinguished from other Dipsocoromorpha by a combination of wing venation patterns and genitalic structures. The is characterized by small body size and reduced wing development in some . Distinguishing Macroveliidae from the closely related family Hebridae requires examination of thoracic and abdominal .
Images
Habitat
Associated with shore including margins of streams, rivers, and lakes. have been observed on wet rocks and in splash zones of running water.
Distribution
occur in multiple regions: Macrovelia in the Nearctic and Palearctic; Oravelia in the Neotropics; Chepuvelia in the Palearctic (East Asia). The fossil genus †Daniavelia is known from Eocene Baltic amber.
Ecological Role
Predatory components of shoreline .
Similar Taxa
- HebridaeShares superfamily Hebroidea; distinguished by thoracic structure and wing venation patterns.
- MesoveliidaeAnother of shore bugs in Dipsocoromorpha; differs in body proportions and preferences.
More Details
Fossil Record
The extinct †Daniavelia Andersen, 1998 is known from Eocene Baltic amber, providing the only fossil record for the .
Taxonomic History
Originally established by McKinstry in 1942, the has undergone various placements within the Gerromorpha/Dipsocoromorpha before its current classification in Hebroidea.