Notonecta irrorata

Uhler, 1879

backswimmer

Notonecta irrorata is a North first described in 1879. It is a predatory aquatic known for its distinctive upside-down swimming posture. Research has demonstrated that its presence in ponds repels by Culex mosquitoes, and that its patterns show a hump-shaped relationship with isolation.

Notonecta irrorata by no rights reserved, uploaded by Ken Kneidel. Used under a CC0 license.Notonecta irrorata by Fredlyfish4. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Notonecta irrorata: //ˌnoʊtəˈnɛktə ɪˈroʊrətə//

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Identification

Notonecta irrorata has the triangular, boat-shaped body typical of the Notonecta, with a keel-like surface adapted for rapid upside-down swimming. The can be distinguished from water boatmen ( ) by its triangular cross-section versus the flattened body of Corixidae, and by its shorter unmodified legs versus the spoon-shaped tarsal of water boatmen used for scooping food.

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Habitat

Freshwater aquatic environments including ponds and slow-moving streams; occupies open water rather than bottom substrates. Has been observed in artificial water environments including fountains and swimming pools.

Distribution

to North America; documented in the eastern Nearctic region including Mississippi and Missouri, USA, and Vermont.

Diet

; feeds on mosquito and other small aquatic .

Behavior

Swims upside-down using long, oar-like hind legs modified for rowing. are capable of and can disperse between water bodies. Exhibits activity patterns and is rarely attracted to lights at night. Surfaces to take in air using hydrophobic hairs around the rear end and along the middle of the underside of the , which trap air for underwater respiration.

Ecological Role

in aquatic that affects mosquito through both consumptive effects on and non-consumptive effects on mosquito .

Human Relevance

Presence in ponds and pools can reduce mosquito by repelling Culex ; may bite if handled, causing pain comparable to a .

Similar Taxa

  • Corixidae (water boatmen)Superficially similar oval body shape and aquatic , but water boatmen have flattened bodies (versus triangular), spoon-shaped legs for feeding (versus unmodified), and are primarily that cruise the bottom (versus predatory in open water).
  • Notonecta glauca (European backswimmer)Congeneric with similar and ; N. irrorata is distinguished by its North distribution.

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