HemipteraGerridae – Water Striders

Limnogonus macroconfusus

This record describes Limnogonus macroconfusus (species). Recorded family: Gerridae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Limnogonus macroconfusus - Limnogonus macroconfusus
Contributed by Matthew Pintar

males distinguished from L. franciscanus by lack of constriction in fore tibia, larger size, never divergent pronotal spots, and shape of vesica sclerites

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
Limnogonus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

calmer, low gradient streams and lentic habitats

Geographic Range

southern Texas to Costa Rica and the Greater Antilles

Seasonal Activity

year-round

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Limnogonus macroconfusus Pintar, 2026 Named for being larger than ( macro -), and long confused with (- confusus ), L. franciscanus

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Limnogonus macroconfusus. 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.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Limnogonus macroconfusus (5)

Limnogonus macroconfusus - photo 1
Contributed by Matthew Pintar
Limnogonus macroconfusus - photo 2
Contributed by Matthew Pintar
Limnogonus macroconfusus - photo 3
Contributed by Matthew Pintar
Limnogonus macroconfusus - photo 4
Contributed by Matthew Pintar
Limnogonus macroconfusus - photo 5
Contributed by Matthew Pintar

Photo credits: Contributed by Matthew Pintar

Frequently Asked Questions About Limnogonus macroconfusus

What is Limnogonus macroconfusus?

Limnogonus macroconfusus is a species in the family Gerridae, within the order Hemiptera.

How big is Limnogonus macroconfusus?
FeatureDetails
Male6.57-8.75 mm
Female7.77-9.87 mm
How do you identify Limnogonus macroconfusus?

males distinguished from L. franciscanus by lack of constriction in fore tibia, larger size, never divergent pronotal spots, and shape of vesica sclerites

Where is Limnogonus macroconfusus found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatcalmer, low gradient streams and lentic habitats
Rangesouthern Texas to Costa Rica and the Greater Antilles
When is Limnogonus macroconfusus active?

Limnogonus macroconfusus: seasonal activity - year-round.

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Matthew Pintar. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.