Notonecta insulata
Kirby, 1837
backswimmer
Notonecta insulata is a of , an aquatic in the . It is found in North America, where it inhabits freshwater environments. Like other backswimmers, it swims upside down and is an active of small aquatic . The species was described by Kirby in 1837.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Notonecta insulata: /ˌnoʊtəˈnɛktə ˌɪn.səˈleɪtə/
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Identification
of Notonecta insulata can be distinguished from water boatmen ( ) by their triangular cross-section when viewed from the — are shaped like a boat with a keel-like surface, while water boatmen are flattened top-to-bottom. Backswimmers swim upside down, whereas water boatmen swim right-side up. The front legs of backswimmers are short and unmodified, unlike the spoon-shaped tarsal of water boatmen used for scooping food. Backswimmers have a four-segmented visible as a , while water boatmen have the rostrum to the .
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Habitat
Freshwater environments including ponds, slow-moving streams, fountains, and swimming pools. frequent open water rather than bottom substrates.
Distribution
North America; specifically recorded from the Eastern Nearctic region including Canada and the United States.
Diet
Active of mosquito and other small aquatic .
Behavior
Swims upside down using long, oar-like hind legs modified for rowing. Surfaces periodically to take in air, using hydrophobic hairs around the rear end and along the midline of the underside to trap air for underwater respiration. are capable of and are primarily , rarely attracted to lights at night.
Ecological Role
that helps control of mosquito and other small aquatic .
Human Relevance
Can be a nuisance in swimming pools and artificial water features. Will bite if handled, with a sensation described as similar to a . The bite is defensive and not medically significant for most people.
Similar Taxa
- Corixidae (water boatmen)Water boatmen swim right-side up, have flattened bodies, spoon-shaped legs for feeding on bottom detritus, and are often attracted to lights at night— do none of these.
- Notonecta glaucaEuropean not found in North America; N. insulata is restricted to the Nearctic.
- Other Notonecta speciesMany Notonecta require examination of male or detailed morphological analysis for definitive identification; N. insulata is one of several North species in the .
More Details
Taxonomic note
Notonecta insulata was described by William Kirby in 1837. The Notonecta contains approximately 40 worldwide, with multiple species occurring in North America.
iNaturalist observations
As of the knowledge cutoff, iNaturalist records 88 observations of this , indicating it is documented but not among the most commonly reported aquatic .