HemipteraMesoveliidae – Water Treaders2 data sources

Mesovelia polhemusi

This record describes Mesovelia polhemusi (species). Recorded family: Mesoveliidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Mesovelia polhemusi - Mesovelia polhemusi
Contributed by Matthew Pintar

Wikipedia reference for Mesovelia polhemusi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesovelia_polhemusi.

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

tidal mangrove lagoons

Geographic Range

s. FL, Belize

Seasonal Activity

year-round

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Mesovelia polhemusi Spangler, 1990

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

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Mesovelia polhemusi. 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 Mesovelia polhemusi (3)

Mesovelia polhemusi - photo 1
Contributed by Matthew Pintar
Mesovelia polhemusi - photo 2
Contributed by Matthew Pintar
Mesovelia polhemusi - photo 3
Contributed by Matthew Pintar

Photo credits: Contributed by Matthew Pintar

Frequently Asked Questions About Mesovelia polhemusi

How big is Mesovelia polhemusi?

2.2-2.75 mm

Where is Mesovelia polhemusi found?
FeatureDetails
Habitattidal mangrove lagoons
Ranges. FL, Belize
When is Mesovelia polhemusi active?

Mesovelia polhemusi: 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.