Water Treaders
Mesoveliidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Gerromorpha
- Family: Mesoveliidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Mesoveliidae: /ˌmɛsoʊˌvɛliˈaɪˌdiː/
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Summary
The family Mesoveliidae, commonly known as water treaders, consists of small, slender insects that inhabit aquatic environments. They are characterized by their unique body morphology and play an important ecological role in freshwater ecosystems.
Physical Characteristics
Small, slender, usually greenish/yellowish. Winged forms with ocelli, wingless forms without ocelli. Only anterior basal part of forewing thickened; clavus membranous; membrane veinless. Antennae slender, 4-segmented. Beak slender, 3-segmented, with the 3rd segment long. Tarsi 3-segmented, tarsomere 1 minute.
Identification Tips
Look for small, slender insects operating on the water surface or on aquatic vegetation, particularly near pondweed or lily pads.
Habitat
Commonly found around ponds on aquatic vegetation; also present in forest leaf litter, damp moss, and seeping rock faces. One species occurs in mangroves.
Distribution
Approximately 50 species in 12 genera worldwide, with several species present in various aquatic habitats.
Diet
Small organisms found on the water surface, likely feeding on microscopic algae and other small aquatic life.
Ecosystem Role
Plays a role in aquatic ecosystems by interacting with microflora and smaller aquatic organisms, likely participating in the food web.
Evolution
Fossils known from late Jurassic, suggesting a long evolutionary history. Molecular phylogenetics suggest subfamily-level classification should be revised due to polyphyly.
Tags
- Hemiptera
- Water Treaders
- Aquatic Insects
- Mesoveliidae