Other Common Names
Smaller Water Striders
Riffle Bugs (genus Rhagovelia)
Ripple Bugs (genus Rhagovelia)
Numbers
34 species in 6 genera in North America (
nearctica.com)
Identification
pronotum broader than abdomen (as reflected in the common name "Broad-shouldered"); hind femur not longer than abdomen; pre-apical tarsal claws; usually wingless and dark-colored, sometimes with silvery markings
Range
southern Canada and throughout United States
Habitat
on water surface among vegetation in temporary or permanent ponds, lake margins, placid areas of streams (Microvelia and Velia species) or in rapids/riffles in streams (Rhagovelia species)
Food
predaceous on other surface-dwelling arthropods, detecting prey via surface vibrations
See Also
In Water Striders (Gerridae), the hind femur is longer than the abdomen
Internet References
live adult images plus common name reference [Broad-shouldered Water Striders], description, biology, etc. (U. of Michigan)
live adult image of
Microvelia buenoi near bottom of page (U. of Saskatchewan)
adult image and distinguishing characters (Dept. Fish & Game, California)
adult image of
Rhagovelia obesa taken from
this page (U. of Minnesota)
pinned adult image of
Rhagovelia obesa (Insects of Cedar Creek, Minnesota)
