Water-bugs
Guides
Nepoidea
Nepoidea is a superfamily of aquatic true bugs comprising two families: Belostomatidae (giant water bugs) and Nepidae (water scorpions). These are the largest-bodied members of the infraorder Nepomorpha and function as top predators in freshwater ecosystems. A distinctive morphological trait is the reduction and concealment of antennae in grooves behind the eyes, an adaptation to submerged aquatic life. The antennal sensilla exhibit remarkable structural diversity, with 11 morphological types identified including mechanosensilla, thermo-hygrosensilla, and olfactory sensilla that facilitate environmental sensing and prey detection.
Nepomorpha
true water bugs, water bugs
Nepomorpha is an infraorder of aquatic true bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) comprising approximately 2,000 species worldwide. Members are characterized by reduced, weakly muscled antennae typically concealed against the head, and absent or vestigial ocelli. Most species inhabit freshwater environments, with the exception of the superfamily Ochteroidea, which occupies riparian zones along water margins. The group includes diverse forms such as giant water bugs, water scorpions, water boatmen, and backswimmers.