Numbers
Nomina Insecta Neartica lists 3 genera,
Buenoa, Martarega and
Notonecta, and 32 North American species.
Identification
Highly aquatic bugs that, as befits their name, often swim upside-down. When resting at the surface, body is typically tilted with the head downward. Specific characteristics
(2) (3):
hind legs modified for swimming, with long hairs
front legs not scoop-like (contrast Water Boatmen--Corixidae)
dorsum convex, V-shaped when viewed from tip of abdomen
wings clear, tips without veins
eyes relatively close together--typically separated by less than the width of one eye
Both
stridulatory structures and male genitalia serve for accurate identification of species.
Habitat
Ponds, freshwater pools and slow flowing streams
Food
Prey on other aquatic insects and sometimes on small vertebrates.
Life Cycle
Elongated white eggs are cemented to underwater plant stems, hatching in a few weeks. Nymphs often feed on their own species. Adults of first generation appear in July. Often 2 generations a year.
(4)Remarks
If handled carelessly, Backswimmers have been known to bite.
Backswimmers dive by holding air trapped in their abdominal pockets. They can remain submerged for up to 6 hours!
Many are attracted to artificial lights at night.
Males have a
stridulatory apparatus probably used to attract females and communicate during courtship.
See Also
Backswimmers resemble
Water Boatmen, but the dorsal surface of their body is convex and often light colored, without the dark cross-lines; front tarsi are not scoop-shaped.
(5)Print References
Borror, entries for
noto,
nect (1)
Castner,
Photographic Atlas of Entomology and Guide To Insect Identification, p. 76
(2)
Bland,
How to Know the Insects, p. 141
(3)
Milne and Milne,
National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects and Spiders, pages 461-462, plates 98-99
(4)
Borror and White,
Peterson's Field Guide to Insects, pp. 113-114.
(5)
Arnett,
American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico (6), p. 280
Internet References
Cedar Creek's Insect Photo Album - has photos and info on several species
Ohio History Central - Learn the range and life cycle of Backswimmers in Ohio
Vernal Pool.org - has images and brief information about the various animals (including Backswimmers) that are found in vernal pools
The
University of Michigan has a simple key in distinguishing several species
