Pleidae
Guides
Neoplea
pygmy backswimmers
Neoplea is a genus of minute aquatic predatory true bugs in the family Pleidae, commonly known as pygmy backswimmers. The genus contains at least 25 described species distributed across North and South America, with numerous undescribed species. Members are small-bodied (approximately 1.5 mm), active predators in lentic freshwater habitats. The best-studied species, Neoplea striola, has been investigated for its potential role in trophic cascades in fishless subtropical ponds.
Neoplea striola
pygmy backswimmer
Neoplea striola is a minute predaceous true bug in the family Pleidae, commonly known as the pygmy backswimmers. Adults measure approximately 1.5 mm in length. The species inhabits lentic freshwater habitats across Central and North America, including small fishless ponds and temporary water bodies, and has been observed to tolerate low oxygen conditions. It is an active visual predator that hunts zooplankton and small aquatic invertebrates using sight, vibrations, and possibly chemical cues. Research suggests it is univoltine, overwintering as adults with activity from March through November in temperate regions.