Micronectidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Nepomorpha
Superfamily: Corixoidea
Family: Micronectidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Micronectidae: //ˌmaɪkroʊˈnɛktɪˌdiː//

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

Summary

Micronectidae, or pygmy water boatmen, are a family of small aquatic insects classified under the order Hemiptera. They are primarily found in freshwater habitats and are mostly introduced species in the U.S., particularly in Florida.

Physical Characteristics

Very small size, measuring 1.9‒2.2 mm.

Identification Tips

Identification can be made based on the small size and habitat in aquatic environments.

Habitat

Aquatic environments, often found in freshwater bodies such as ponds and marshes.

Distribution

Worldwide, predominantly in palaeotropical regions; in the US, only reported in Florida.

Diet

Herbivorous, feeding on algae and other microorganisms in aquatic habitats.

Life Cycle

The life cycle specifics are not detailed, but water boatmen generally involve egg, nymph, and adult stages in aquatic environments.

Reproduction

Reproduction details are not specified, but water boatmen typically engage in aquatic breeding.

Predators

Predators are not specified, but they are likely preyed upon by fish and other aquatic predators.

Ecosystem Role

As herbivores, they play a role in controlling algal populations in aquatic ecosystems.

Collecting Methods

Net sampling in aquatic habitats
Hand collection from plant material

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation for specimens
Drying to prepare pinned specimens

Evolution

Originally classified as a subfamily of Corixidae, raised to family level in 2002 by Nieser.

Similar Taxa

Corixidae

Misconceptions

Older reports of Tenagobia being native in multiple US states are erroneous and based on misidentifications.