California Back*swimmer 'upside down'. Wrong! - Graptocorixa

Moved

… Matthew Pintar, 14 December, 2024 - 10:03am

Moved

… Ron Hemberger, 13 March, 2007 - 12:31am

Hi Ron,

This is actually a Water Boatman (Corixidae). They differ from backswimmers in swimming upright, having long middle legs alongside the hind legs for grasping vegetation, scoop-like front legs and a stout (rather than sharp) rostrum used for feeding on algae or other organic matter. They are usually much smaller too, and have a banded/mottled pattern on their backs. Very nice photo though!

… Stephen Luk, 13 March, 2007 - 12:02am

Thanks much, Stephen, for getting me righted.

Of course, you're correct. Separately, I sent the photo to a friend, and he also straightened me out. Outside of wayward wasps and striders, I've shot very little in the water, but hope to correct that oversight. Thanks also for your kind words.

… Ron Hemberger, 13 March, 2007 - 12:30am

Aquatic insects

Cool. I myself have done almost no photography in terms of shooting into the water ... I hope to do more of that come spring, after the ice thaws away up here in Ontario. It will be a new and exciting challenge!

… Stephen Luk, 13 March, 2007 - 11:51am

Something to try

While I didn't use it here, try flash. A friend and I shot the same frog, half in and half out of the water. I was surprised to see his shots with flash were much better than mine without.

… Ron Hemberger, 13 March, 2007 - 1:15pm

Thanks

I'll be sure to try that out with aquatic insects. I did it with my fish at home and though I shot through the glass, the photos with flash turned out much better than those without. I guess the challenge with aquatic insects is that if you shoot them out in their natural habitat, you would need to do it on a really calm day. Even a slight breeze can stir up ripples in the shallows...

… Stephen Luk, 13 March, 2007 - 2:31pm