Order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder Heteroptera (True Bugs)
Family Gelastocoridae (Toad Bugs)
Genus Gelastocoris
Numbers
Neartica lists 2 North American species: oculata (=oculatus) and rotundatus.
Size
5-10 mm
Identification
Oval, 2/3 as wide as long; flattened; sides of prothorax projecting. Bulging compund eyes at side of head. Mottled brown to yellowish brown. Legs yellowish with brownish bands. (1)
Range
U.S. and southern Canada, individual sp. more limited.
Habitat
Shores of quiet lakes, ponds and streams.
Food
smaller insects.
Life Cycle
Eggs are laid near water's edge in mud or sand, or under stones. Nymphs grow slowly if food is scarce. Adults overwinter, but few eggs hatch before early summer.(1)
Remarks
Two Nearctic species:
G. oculatus: Pronotal angles are sharp. Wide distribution, but absent in some northern areas.
G. rotundatus: Pronotal angles are rounded. Found in the southwestern United States.(2)
Print References
"National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Insects & Spiders" p. 467-468, pl. 129.(1)
"Peterson's Field Guide to Insects" p. 114-115.(3)
