Notonecta

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Notonecta: /ˌnoʊtoʊˈnɛktə/

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

Images

Notonecta uhleri 3 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

Notonecta, commonly known as backswimmers, is a genus within the family Notonectidae, comprising species commonly found in various freshwater environments. The genus includes 17 species across 4 subgenera.

Physical Characteristics

8-16 mm in length; characterized by widely separated eyes and a pointed spine on the middle femur before the distal end.

Identification Tips

Key features include the wide separation of the eyes and the pointed spine on the middle femur. Keys to species are provided in various references.

Habitat

Freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.

Distribution

Widespread, with species occurring in North America, particularly in states like Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas.

Diet

Predominantly carnivorous, feeding on small aquatic organisms.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in controlling populations of small aquatic organisms.