Aquatic Hemipterans Flashcards
What are the differences between aquatic and semi-aquatic hemipterans?
Aquatic hemipterans rely on water for survival and reproduction. They are often heavily adapted to these conditions. In contrast, semi-aquatic hemipterans prefer wet, seasonally wet, or damp areas. They may or may not be adapted to that area.
How many families of aquatic and semi-aquatic hemipterans are there in Louisana? Name them.
There are 14 families of aquatic hemipterans in Louisiana. These families are:
- Belostomatidae
- Corixidae
- Gelastocoridae
- Gerridae
- Hebridae
- Hydrometridae
- Mesoveliidae
- Nepidae
- Naucoridae
- Notonectidae
- Ochteridae
- Pleidae
- Saldidade
- Veliidae
Describe the characteristics of the family Gelastocoridae.
Gelastocoridae are the “toad bugs”. Semi-aquatic specimens. Have modified back legs for hopping. They cover themselves in wet sediment. Ambush predators.
Describe the characteristics of the families Gerridae, Hydrometridae, Mesoveliidae, and Veliidae.
They are water striders with hydrophobic hairs to walk on the surface. Most are marine insects and ambush predators. Filter feeders. Incredibly fast swimmers
Describe the characteristics of the family Corixidae.
Known as water boatmen or “red-eyed bugs”. Filter feeders and incredibly fast swimmers. Form multi-species assemblage.
Describe the characteristics of the families Notonectidae and Pleidae.
Backswimmers and pigmy backswimmers. Predators thatt swim upside down.
Describe the characteristics of the family Belostomatidae.
Knowns as giant toe biters, electric light bugs, giant water bugs. They are predators that can be very large. These specimens have raptorial front legs and a breathing siphon. Males carry the eggs on the dorsal area.
Describe the characteristics of the family Nepidae.
Water scorpions found in aquatic vegetations. Elongated body and forelegs. Large breathing siphon, Predators.
Describe the characteristics of the family Naucoridae.
Creeping water bugs. Thick, often green forelegs.
