Saldinae

Saldinae can be distinguished from the other saldid subfamily, Chiloxanthinae, by genitalic and wing venation characters. Saldinae generally have more fully developed wings and lack the extreme brachyptery and compact body form seen in many Chiloxanthinae. Identification to genus requires examination of male genitalia and pretarsal structures.

Primarily associated with moist shoreline environments including riverbanks, lake shores, pond margins, and seashores. Found on wet rocks, gravel, sand, and mud substrates. Some species occur in brackish coastal habitats.

Worldwide distribution across temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions. Present in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and South America.

Predatory, feeding on small invertebrates including springtails, midge larvae, and other tiny arthropods found in shoreline habitats.

Active predators that run quickly over wet substrates. Capable of flight and may disperse between shoreline habitats. Often found in aggregations in suitable microhabitats.

Predators in shoreline and riparian food webs. Contribute to regulation of small invertebrate populations in moist edge habitats.

Occasionally encountered by entomologists and naturalists. No significant economic or medical importance. Serve as indicators of shoreline habitat quality.

• ChiloxanthinaeOther subfamily of Saldidae; distinguished by more compact body, reduced wings, and different genitalic structures. Chiloxanthinae species often occupy more specialized habitats such as saline pools.

• shore bugs
• riparian
• predatory
• Hemiptera
• Heteroptera
• moist habitats

• BugGuide
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life