Zooplanktivore
Guides
Glaenocorisa propinqua
Glaenocorisa propinqua is a water boatman species (family Corixidae) found in lakes across Europe, Northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Its abundance and distribution are strongly influenced by fish predation pressure, which primarily targets larvae. The species preys upon the water flea Holopedium gibberum, placing it as both predator and prey in lacustrine food webs.
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.