Swimming-plume
Guides
Rhagovelia obesa
riffle bug
Rhagovelia obesa is a small aquatic true bug in the family Veliidae, commonly known as a riffle bug or smaller water strider. It inhabits flowing water environments where it uses a unique swimming plume to move underwater. The species has an unusual life history among aquatic Hemiptera, with four nymphal instars rather than five and eggs as the overwintering stage. It has been successfully reared in laboratory conditions from first instar to adult.