Backswimmers

Notonectidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Nepomorpha
Superfamily: Notonectoidea
Family: Notonectidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Notonectidae: //ˌnoʊtəˈnɛktɪˌdiː//

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

Images

Notonecta lunata genital capsule by Fredlyfish4. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Field book of ponds and streams (Page 237) BHL4949957 by Morgan, Ann Haven. Used under a No restrictions license.

Backswimmer Notonectidae Wisconsin by Olaf Nelson. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Backswimmer Notonectidae by Olaf Nelson. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Notonecta backswimmer17 by Mcdougall123. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

PSM V45 D464 Undulating backswimmer by Unknown authorUnknown author. Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Notonectidae, commonly known as backswimmers, are a family of predatory aquatic insects that swim upside down. They are found in various freshwater habitats globally and are known for their distinctive swimming style and predation on small aquatic animals.

Physical Characteristics

Aquatic bugs that range from 5 to 15 mm in length; streamlined, deep-bodied with a convex, lightly colored dorsum without cross striations. Their front tarsi are not scoop-shaped, and their hind legs are fringed for swimming.

Identification Tips

Species identification often requires examining stridulatory structures and male genitalia; they swim upside-down and can be distinguished from Corixidae by differences in dorsal-ventral coloration, front legs, and predatory behavior.

Habitat

Still freshwater such as lakes, ponds, marshes; also found in garden ponds and swimming pools.

Distribution

Cosmopolitan; around 32 species in North America, 400+ species in 11 genera worldwide.

Diet

Aquatic insects and small vertebrates; nymphs are often cannibalistic.

Life Cycle

Elongated white eggs are cemented to underwater plant stems and hatch in a few weeks; often 2 generations per year with first-generation adults appearing in July.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid underwater, cemented to plant stems; hatch after a few weeks.

Predators

Large predatory aquatic insects; potential competition from other aquatic carnivores.

Ecosystem Role

Predators in the aquatic food web, preying on insects and small vertebrates.

Health Concerns

Can inflict a painful bite on humans via a stab with their sharp tubular mouthparts (proboscis).

Similar Taxa

Corixidae (water boatmen)

Misconceptions

Often confused with water boatmen, which have differences in body shape and swimming behavior.