Corixoidea

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Corixoidea: //kɒrɪkˈsɔɪdiə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Summary

Corixidae is a family of aquatic insects known as lesser water boatmen found in freshwater habitats worldwide, notable for their unique swimming style and diverse feeding strategies.

Physical Characteristics

Corixidae generally have a long flattened body ranging from 2.5 to 15 mm (0.1–0.6 in) long. Many have extremely fine dark brown or black striations marking the wings, four long rear legs, and two short front legs shaped like oars. Their triangular head features short, triangular mouthparts.

Identification Tips

Members of Corixidae swim right side up, unlike the backswimmers (Notonectidae) who swim upside down. This swimming position is a key identification feature between the two families.

Habitat

Corixidae dwell in slow rivers, ponds, and some household pools, thriving in virtually any freshwater habitat; a few species live in saline water.

Distribution

Found worldwide, with about 500 known species, 2 of which are present in North America.

Diet

Feeding styles among Corixidae are broad and include carnivorous, detritivorous, herbivorous, and omnivorous species. Non-predatory species feed on aquatic plants and algae, using their straw-like mouthparts to inject digestive enzymes into plant material.

Life Cycle

The reproductive cycle of Corixidae is annual, with eggs typically deposited on submerged plants, sticks, or rocks.

Reproduction

Oviposition occurs on submerged structures; in substrate-limited waters, every available site is utilized for egg deposition.

Predators

Some species within Corixidae are preyed upon by amphibians such as the rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa).

Tags

• Aquatic insects
• Hemiptera
• Corixidae
• Water boatmen
• Freshwater ecology