Mulsant's Water Treader
Mesovelia mulsanti
This record describes Mesovelia mulsanti (species). Recorded family: Mesoveliidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Mesovelia mulsanti: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesovelia_mulsanti.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Family
- Mesoveliidae (Water Treaders)
- Genus
- Mesovelia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
lentic waters, usually on open water near margins; also in salt marshes
Geographic Range
e. NA to BC / s. to Argentina; the most common member of the genus throughout e. US
Seasonal Activity
year-round in southern US; warmer seasons further north
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Mesovelia mulsanti White, 1879
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Mesovelia mulsanti. 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 Mulsant's Water Treader (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Mulsant's Water Treader
How big is Mulsant's Water Treader?
3-4 mm
Where is Mulsant's Water Treader found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | lentic waters, usually on open water near margins; also in salt marshes |
| Range | e. NA to BC / s. to Argentina; the most common member of the genus throughout e. US |
When is Mulsant's Water Treader active?
Mulsant's Water Treader: seasonal activity - year-round in southern US; warmer seasons further north.