Quiz 5: Hemiptera (True Bugs)

Question 1

For the family Nepidae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

Answer 1

Suborder Nepomorpha
Common name: "Water Scorpions"
Key Characteristics:
-Raptorial forelegs
-Caudal respiratory tube with 2 filaments 
FFG: Predator

Question 2

For the family Belostomatidae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

Answer 2

Suborder Nepomorpha
Common name: "Giant Water Bug"
Key Characteristics:
-Raptorial front legs
-*Air straps on the abdomen
-No caudal breathing tube
FFG: Predator

Question 3

For the family Gelastocoridae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

Answer 3

Suborder Nepomorpha
Common name: "Toad Bugs"
Key Characteristics:
-*Bulging eyes (toad-like)
-Uniquely shaped raptorial front legs
FFG: Predator

Question 4

For the family Corixidae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

Answer 4

Suborder Nepomorpha
Common name: "Water Boatman"
Key Characteristics:
-Scoop-shaped front tarsi
-V-shaped, short beak
FFG: *Filter-feeder*

Question 5

For the family Notonectidae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

Answer 5

Suborder Nepomorpha
Common name: Back Swimmers
Key Characteristics:
-Long swimming legs with long setae ('hairs')
FFG: Predator

Question 6

For the family Naucoridae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

Answer 6

Suborder Nepomorpha
Common name: "Creeping Water Bugs"
Key Characteristics:
-Stout & rounded shape
-Uniquely shaped raptorial front legs
-(not toad-like in appearance)
FFG: Predator

Question 7

For the family Hydrometridae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

Answer 7

Suborder Nepomorpha
Common name: "Water Measurers"
Key Characteristics:
-*Elongate head with eyes positioned closer to the body
-Stick-like in shape
-No caudal tube 
-Small
FFG: Predator

Question 8

For the family Veliidae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

Answer 8

Suborder Gerromorpha
Common name: "Ripple Bug"
Key Characteristics:
-*Subapical tarsal claws
-*Broad prothorax
-No ocelli
-Short hind femur
FFG: Predator

Question 9

For the family Pleidae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

Answer 9

Suborder Nepomorpha
Common name: "Pigmy Back Swimmers"
Key Characteristics:
-*Very* small (>3 mm)
-*Ovoid, beetle-like body
FFG: Predator

Question 10

For the family Gerridae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

Answer 10

Suborder Gerromorpha
Common name: “Water Striders”/”Jesus Bugs”
Key Characteristics:
-*Subapical tarsal claws
-Long femurs on the meso- & meta- legs, also are close together
FFG: Predator

Question 11

For the family Mesoveliidae, give the suborder, common name, key characteristics, and FFG.

*None in our collection; won’t be tested

Answer 11

Suborder Gerromorpha
Common name: "Water Treaders"
Key Characteristics:
-*Leg spines
-Small & stout
-Apical claw
FFG: Predator

Question 12

What makes the suborders Nepomorpha and Gerromorpha different from each other?

Answer 12

Nepomorpha:

• Antenna small & concealed (reduced drag)
• Most are aquatic diving specialists, spend more of their time below the water

Gerromorpha:

• Antenna are prominent
• Semiaquatic or surface-dwelling