Notonecta irrorata
This one flew into my open car window in a parking lot. I was able to catch it and photograph it before releasing it. A rare treat to see a backswimmer's back, something I have never seen before. Thanks to v belov on BugGuide.Net for the identification, a new species on the site for my state of Alabama.
Body length is about 10 mm, the wing covers have a distinctive red and black pattern, not seen when the species is swimming. Found normally in ponds, lakes, and rivers, it can be seen all year. It feeds on small aquatic insects, with some species in its family Notonectidae feeding on small vertberates. Nymphs are often cannibalistic in this insect family as well.
Backswimmers cement elongated white eggs to underwater plant stems, which hatch in a few weeks. First-generation adults usually appear in July, with two generations often appearing. Backswimmers may bite if handled carelessly. They dive by holding air trapped in their abdominal pockets and can remain submerged for up to 6 hours. These aquatic bugs often swim upside-down. When resting at the surface, body is typically tilted with the head downward.
Also called Water Bees or Water Wasps, they often come to lights. They may invade swimming pools and become a nuisance.
Notonecta irrorata
This one flew into my open car window in a parking lot. I was able to catch it and photograph it before releasing it. A rare treat to see a backswimmer's back, something I have never seen before. Thanks to v belov on BugGuide.Net for the identification, a new species on the site for my state of Alabama.
Body length is about 10 mm, the wing covers have a distinctive red and black pattern, not seen when the species is swimming. Found normally in ponds, lakes, and rivers, it can be seen all year. It feeds on small aquatic insects, with some species in its family Notonectidae feeding on small vertberates. Nymphs are often cannibalistic in this insect family as well.
Backswimmers cement elongated white eggs to underwater plant stems, which hatch in a few weeks. First-generation adults usually appear in July, with two generations often appearing. Backswimmers may bite if handled carelessly. They dive by holding air trapped in their abdominal pockets and can remain submerged for up to 6 hours. These aquatic bugs often swim upside-down. When resting at the surface, body is typically tilted with the head downward.
Also called Water Bees or Water Wasps, they often come to lights. They may invade swimming pools and become a nuisance.