HemipteraVeliidae – Smaller Water Striders

Microvelia gerhardi

This record describes Microvelia gerhardi (species). Recorded family: Veliidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Microvelia gerhardi - Microvelia gerhardi — Contributed by Matthew Pintar

males have enlarged and darkened front femur

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder: Heteroptera
Superfamily: Gerroidea
Family: Veliidae (Smaller Water Striders)
Genus: Microvelia

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

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

w. US (SD-TX-CA); Mexico

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Microvelia ( Kirkaldya ) gerhardi Hussey, 1924

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

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Microvelia gerhardi. 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.

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