Notonecta irrorata
This record describes Notonecta irrorata (species). Recorded family: Notonectidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

Identification notes
hemelytra mottled
Wikipedia reference for Notonecta irrorata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notonecta_irrorata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Notonectoidea
- Family
- Notonectidae (Backswimmers)
- Genus
- Notonecta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Ponds, lakes, rivers
Geographic Range
eastern North America (NS-FL-SK-TX)
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Mar-Dec
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Small aquatic insects
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Notonecta irrorata Uhler 1879
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Notonecta irrorata. 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 Notonecta irrorata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Notonecta irrorata
How big is Notonecta irrorata?
12.8-15.5 mm
How do you identify Notonecta irrorata?
hemelytra mottled
Where is Notonecta irrorata found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Ponds, lakes, rivers |
| Range | eastern North America (NS-FL-SK-TX) |
What does Notonecta irrorata eat?
The diet of the Notonecta irrorata includes Small aquatic insects.
When is Notonecta irrorata active?
Notonecta irrorata: seasonal activity - mostly: Mar-Dec.
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