Notonectidae (predators)
| Vernacular names | |
|---|---|
| • Deutsch: | Rückenschwimmer |
| • English: | backswimmers |
| • Français: | notonectes |
Notonectidae (backswimmers - predators)
This family of predatory, aquatic bugs is widely distributed and contains between 300-400 species. Several species are common in pools, lakes and rivers, where they can be beneficial predators of mosquito larvae. A striking characteristic of this family is their habit of swimming on their back, using their long hind legs that are equipped with stiff bristles.
Several species of the type genus Notonecta contribute to a reduction of mosquito populations. They prey on larvae and pupae of mosquitoes and some other blood-sucking Diptera (e.g., Ceratopogonidae), which they attack as surface prey. The habit of swimming on their back is giving them easy access to air at the water surface and facilitates catching prey.
For a review of this family see Papacek (2001).
The following genera and individual species of predators are currently entered under this family:
