Naucoridae

Leach, 1815

creeping water bugs, saucer bugs

Genus Guides

4

is a of aquatic predatory true bugs comprising approximately 400 in 46 across five . Members are commonly known as creeping water bugs or saucer bugs due to their dorsoventrally flattened, oval body shape. They inhabit freshwater environments worldwide with greatest diversity in tropical regions, ranging from still waters to torrential streams. Most species are lotic, occurring in flowing waters rather than lentic . They are predatory, feeding on other small using .

Naucoridae by (c) Wilderness Safaris Botswana - Conservation Team, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Wilderness Safaris Botswana - Conservation Team. Used under a CC-BY license.Ambrysus pulchellus by (c) Matthew Pintar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matthew Pintar. Used under a CC-BY license.Ambrysus thermarum by (c) Matthew Pintar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matthew Pintar. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Naucoridae: //naʊˈkɔːrɪdiː//

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

Identification

are distinguished from the similar Belostomatidae (giant water bugs) by their considerably smaller size (0.5–2 cm versus 2–12 cm), more flattened oval body shape, and lack of forelegs adapted for catching vertebrate prey. They possess four-segmented approximately 500–1100 µm in length with eleven distinct types. Members of the Cryphocricinae use plastral respiration (air film held by hydrofuge setae), while other subfamilies typically use bubble respiration tucked under the wings.

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Habitat

Freshwater aquatic including ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and waterfalls. -specific habitat preferences exist: Cheirochelinae inhabit strong currents; Cryphocricinae occur in rapid streams under stones and gravel; Limnocorinae are found in shallow streams associated with leaf packs or riparian vegetation roots; Laccocorinae occupy stream edges and quiet pools avoiding strong currents; Naucorinae prefer stagnant water or sluggish bays.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution with greatest diversity in tropical regions. Present on all continents except Antarctica.

Diet

Predatory; feeds on other small including insects, aquatic snails, small crustaceans, and small fish. One record of necrophagy exists for Naucoris maculatus.

Life Cycle

Hemimetabolous development with no larval or pupal stages. Nymphs resemble , differing primarily in size, wing development, and sexual maturity. Postembryonic development timing varies by latitude: begins April in Bulgaria (Southeastern Europe), May in Central Europe, and June in western Siberia. Ilyocoris cimicoides is with one per year.

Behavior

Good swimmers that cling to substrates using powerful claws, particularly in turbulent . Cryphocricinae and Ambrysus cling to rocks and gravel in fast-flowing streams. Naucorinae wait motionless between plants to ambush prey. Poor visual acuity; react to movement only within approximately two body-lengths distance. Some species show habitat-dependent : Ambrysus exhibits both swimming and crawling depending on conditions. can be washed out during severe spates, with taking months to over a year to recover.

Ecological Role

in freshwater . are sensitive to hydrological disturbance regimes, with spate events causing significant reductions and slow recolonization in some .

Similar Taxa

  • BelostomatidaeSimilar flattened body shape and aquatic predatory habit, but distinguished by larger size (2–12 cm), forelegs for capturing vertebrate prey, and different respiratory strategies.
  • AphelocheiridaeFormerly classified together in superfamily Naucoroidea, but now placed in separate superfamily Aphelocheiroidea; share aquatic predatory but lack antennal synapomorphies with .
  • Corixidae (water boatmen)Related nepomorphan with aquatic habits, but distinguished by different body shape, swimming , and typically non-predatory or feeding.

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