Pygmy Backswimmers

Pleidae

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pleidae: /ˈplaɪ.iːdiː/

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Summary

Pleidae, commonly known as pygmy backswimmers, is a family of tiny aquatic insects found globally, typically in standing waters. They play a role in controlling mosquito larvae populations and are efficient in their locomotion among submerged vegetation despite being poor swimmers overall.

Physical Characteristics

Tiny Hemiptera, 1.9–2.3 mm long, light brownish color, oval and plump body with a concave back, large compound eyes, and short weak antennae. Tarsi consist of two or three segments with two claws on the last tarsal segment of hindlegs.

Identification Tips

Small size, oval body shape, and large compound eyes. The reduced nature of wings in some species and short antennae that are shorter than the head.

Habitat

Vascular aquatic plants in standing water, typical habitats include suburban ponds with abundant filamentous algae.

Distribution

Worldwide, except polar regions and remote oceanic islands; common in North America, Europe, and warmer parts of Earth including Australia; species such as Plea minutissima widely found in Europe.

Diet

Microcrustaceans, mosquito larvae, and other invertebrates.

Life Cycle

Development is direct, without a pupal stage. The larvae possess glands between the third and fourth abdominal tergite.

Ecosystem Role

Predatory insects that help control populations of mosquito larvae and other tiny invertebrates.

Health Concerns

Completely harmless to humans; their rostrum is too small to pierce skin.

Collecting Methods

Using nets in aquatic environments
Collecting submerged vegetation with associated fauna

Preservation Methods

Ethanol preservation
Drying specimens for museum collections

Evolution

Closely related to true backswimmers (Notonectidae) and Helotrephidae; united with Helotrephidae in the superfamily Pleoidea or both and Notonectidae in Notonectoidea.

Similar Taxa

Notonectidae
Helotrephidae

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for other water bugs due to their small size and aquatic habitat; their stridulation is not harmful and serves as intraspecific communication.