Water Measurers
Hydrometridae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Gerromorpha
- Family: Hydrometridae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Hydrometridae: //ˌhaɪdroʊˈmiːtrɪdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
The family Hydrometridae, commonly known as marsh treaders or water measurers, consists of semiaquatic insects that are found globally with notable diversity in the tropics. They are characterized by their elongated bodies and predatory/scavenging behavior in aquatic habitats.
Physical Characteristics
Hydrometrid bugs are greyish or pale brown in color, with long and slender bodies resembling tiny walking sticks or phasmatodeans. They range in size from 3 to 22 mm, with species in North America typically 7-16 mm. They possess bulging eyes positioned midway along their long heads, four-segmented antennae placed at the end of the head, and three-segmented tarsi.
Identification Tips
Look for elongated bodies and heads, bulging eyes that are positioned behind the midpoint of the head, and four-segmented antennae. Their resemblance to walking sticks can be another identifying feature.
Habitat
Hydrometridae are typically found on water surfaces at the edges of lakes, ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams, usually where fish are absent. They prefer calm waters and aquatic vegetation.
Distribution
They are found worldwide, with the greatest diversity in tropical regions. In North America, most species are found in the eastern region, some extending to the west.
Diet
They are predatory and scavengers, feeding on newly emerged or slow-moving invertebrates such as midges, mosquito larvae, and springtails.
Life Cycle
Hydrometrids undergo five immature stages and typically transition to adults within four to six weeks.
Reproduction
Eggs are laid on vertical surfaces of plants or ground approximately several centimeters above water level.
Ecosystem Role
Hydrometridae play a role in controlling populations of invertebrates in aquatic ecosystems by predation and scavenging.
Collecting Methods
- Netting from the surface of water bodies
- Hand collection from plants above water
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Pinning on insect boards
Evolution
The family Hydrometridae comprises three subfamilies and over 147 recognized species, showing significant diversification, especially in tropical regions.
Similar Taxa
- Gerromorpha
- Phasmatodea
Misconceptions
They are often mistaken for harmful insects due to their elongated shape and predation behavior, but they are generally harmless to humans.
Tags
- Hydrometridae
- water measurers
- insects
- aquatic
- semi-aquatic
- ecology