Micronecta scholtzi
This record describes Micronecta scholtzi (species). Recorded family: Corixidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Micronecta scholtzi is a species of lesser water boatman. With a length of 2 to 2.5 mm Micronecta scholtzi is generally larger than the other species of Mirconecta and has a distinctive pattern of brown markings on the vertex, sometimes described as a trident, with one central stripe and a stripe bordering each eye. Found in open shallow waters over silt and sand. Unlike most water bugs which overwinter as adults Micronecta species overwinter as nymphs, second or third instar in the case of M. scholtzi, which develop into adults by June. A summer generation becomes adult in August and this second generation gives rise to the nymphs which overwinter. This tiny water boatman is claimed to be the loudest animal on the planet relative to its body size. The male can create mating calls as loud as 99.2 decibels. To achieve this he rubs his penis (or genitalia appendage) against the ridged surface of his abdomen. Mainly recorded from the southern half of Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Micronecta scholtzi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micronecta_scholtzi.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found in open shallow waters over silt and sand.
Seasonal Activity
Unlike most water bugs which overwinter as adults Micronecta species overwinter as nymphs, second or third instar in the case of M. scholtzi, which develop into adults by June. A summer generation becomes adult in August and this second generation gives rise to the nymphs which overwinter.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This tiny water boatman is claimed to be the loudest animal on the planet relative to its body size. The male can create mating calls as loud as 99.2 decibels. To achieve this he rubs his penis (or "genitalia appendage") against the ridged surface of his abdomen.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Mainly recorded from the southern half of Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Micronecta scholtzi. 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 Micronecta scholtzi (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Micronecta scholtzi
What is Micronecta scholtzi?
Micronecta scholtzi is a species in the family Corixidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Micronecta scholtzi found?
Habitat: Found in open shallow waters over silt and sand.
When is Micronecta scholtzi active?
Micronecta scholtzi: seasonal activity - Unlike most water bugs which overwinter as adults Micronecta species overwinter as nymphs, second or third instar in the case of M. scholtzi, which develop into adults by June. A summer generation becomes adult in August and this second generation gives rise to the nymphs which overwinter..
What is the life cycle of a Micronecta scholtzi?
This tiny water boatman is claimed to be the loudest animal on the planet relative to its body size. The male can create mating calls as loud as 99.2 decibels. To achieve this he rubs his penis (or genitalia appendage) against the ridged surface of his abdomen.