Aquarius remigis
This record describes Aquarius remigis (species). Recorded family: Gerridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
hind tibia at least 4 times length of first hind tarsal segment; connexival spines prominent; pronotum dull; first antennal segment subequal to combined length of antennal segments two and three; greatest width across mesoacetabula (middle leg hip sockets) more than or equal to 0.25 times body length adults almost always wingless Faces a conflict when deciding which habitat refuge to use when responding to predators. Predation by sunfish ( Lepomis ) means these bugs need to retreat to the stream banks. But they must move away from those banks when avoiding fishing spiders ( Dolomedes ).
Wikipedia reference for Aquarius remigis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquarius_remigis.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Gerroidea
- Family
- Gerridae (Water Striders)
- Subfamily
- Gerrinae
- Genus
- Aquarius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on ponds and lakes in the west and on rivers and streams in the east ( 4 )
Geographic Range
throughout NA, but uncommon across the se US - Map ; the most common and widespread water strider of our fauna (Drake & Harris 1928) see remarks on species group
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Mosquito larvae and other insects.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Aquarius remigis (Say 1832)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aquarius remigis. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Aquarius remigis (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Aquarius remigis
What is Aquarius remigis?
Aquarius remigis is a species in the family Gerridae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Aquarius remigis?
11.5-16 mm
How do you identify Aquarius remigis?
hind tibia at least 4 times length of first hind tarsal segment; connexival spines prominent; pronotum dull; first antennal segment subequal to combined length of antennal segments two and three; greatest width across mesoacetabula (middle leg hip sockets) more than or equal to 0.25 times body length adults almost always wingless
Where is Aquarius remigis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on ponds and lakes in the west and on rivers and streams in the east ( 4 ) |
| Range | throughout NA, but uncommon across the se US - Map ; the most common and widespread water strider of our fauna (Drake & Harris 1928) see remarks on species group |
What does Aquarius remigis eat?
The diet of the Aquarius remigis includes Mosquito larvae and other insects..