Notonectoidea
Notonectoidea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Nepomorpha
- Superfamily: Notonectoidea
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Notonectoidea: /ˌnoʊtoʊ.nɛkˈtɔɪ.diə/
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Summary
Notonectidae, commonly known as backswimmers, are aquatic insects that swim upside down. They are predators found in freshwater environments worldwide and can be identified by their unique swimming behavior and physical characteristics.
Physical Characteristics
Members of Notonectidae typically range from 0.5 to 1.5 cm (0.2–0.6 in) in length. They have a convex, lightly colored dorsum without cross striations, and their front tarsi are not scoop-shaped. Hind legs are fringed for swimming.
Identification Tips
Notonectidae can be distinguished from Corixidae (water boatmen) by their dorsal-ventral coloration, morphology of the front legs, and predatory behavior. They swim on their backs and have sharp tubular mouthparts.
Habitat
They inhabit still freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, and marshes. They are also occasionally found in garden ponds and swimming pools.
Distribution
Cosmopolitan; 37 species in 5 genera of 2 families in certain areas, and approximately 620 species in 35 genera of 3 families worldwide.
Diet
All members are predators, capable of attacking prey as large as tadpoles and small fish.
Ecosystem Role
As predators, they play a role in controlling populations of other aquatic organisms.
Health Concerns
They can inflict a painful stab with their sharp mouthparts, which is often described as a 'bite'.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
The common name 'greater water boatman' can lead to confusion with Corixidae, which are not closely related despite some similarities in habitat.
Tags
- aquatic insects
- Notonectidae
- predatory behavior
- freshwater habitat
- hemiptera