Water Boatmen
Corixidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Nepomorpha
- Superfamily: Corixoidea
- Family: Corixidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Corixidae: //kɒˈrɪksɪˌdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Corixidae, known as water boatmen, is a diverse family of aquatic insects primarily found in freshwater ecosystems, exhibiting a range of feeding behaviors and commonly recognized by their unique swimming style and morphology.
Physical Characteristics
Flattened body, typically ranging from 2.5 to 15 mm long with fine dark striations on wings; front legs short and scoop-shaped; hind legs oar-like with fine hairs; triangular head with short mouthparts.
Identification Tips
Genus identification can be assisted by keys specific to genera; species may be identifiable from photos in some cases, but major genera species ID is generally not feasible without keys.
Habitat
Freshwater habitats, including stagnant water such as ponds, pools, and birdbaths; some species can be found in saline waters; a few inhabit streams and brackish pools along shorelines.
Distribution
Found worldwide, particularly common in North America.
Diet
Varies among species: some are herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants and algae, while others are predatory, detritivorous, or omnivorous.
Life Cycle
Annual reproductive cycle; eggs are oviposited on submerged plants, sticks, or rocks, often forming dense mats in substrate-limited waters.
Reproduction
Eggs are cemented to underwater objects, with some species covering every available substrate with eggs in limited habitats.
Predators
Preyed upon by amphibians, including the rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa).
Ecosystem Role
Important role in aquatic ecosystems as both herbivores and predators; help in the decomposition of organic material in water bodies.
Cultural Significance
Commonly referred to as 'lesser water boatmen' in the UK, distinguishing them from the greater water-boatman of a different family.
Evolution
Corixidae represents a diverse family within Hemiptera with around 500 known species globally, indicating a broad range of evolution and adaptation to aquatic life.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with the backswimmers (Notonectidae) due to aquatic nature; they swim upright unlike backswimmers who swim upside down.
Tags
- Hemiptera
- aquatic insects
- Corixidae
- water boatmen