Notonecta lobata
This record describes Notonecta lobata (species). Recorded family: Notonectidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Color can be informative but highly variable. Typically red and black. Some specimens are brownish black with beige trimmings and others are greenish-tan. All have the head, pronotum and limbs yellow or gray and scutellum and membrane of hemelytron black. The hemelytra, excepting the membrane, are typically red. The males of the red forms frequently have the black of the membrane extending forward upon the distal portion of clavus and corium. The pale and dark forms have only the slightest suggestion of red. (Hungerford 1933) Type series: Seventeen specimens taken by P. A. Glick, November 11, 1922, in the Superstition Mountains, Arizona. (Hungerford 1933)
Wikipedia reference for Notonecta lobata: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notonecta_lobata.
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
Geographic Range
AZ-TX / Mex. locally common, occurs as far east as Austin, TX
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Nov in AZ (Hungerford 1933)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Notonecta lobata Hungerford 1925
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Notonecta lobata. 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 lobata (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Notonecta lobata
What is Notonecta lobata?
Notonecta lobata is a species in the family Notonectidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Notonecta lobata?
Length 13-14 mm (Hungerford 1933)
How do you identify Notonecta lobata?
Color can be informative but highly variable. Typically red and black. Some specimens are brownish black with beige trimmings and others are greenish-tan. All have the head, pronotum and limbs yellow or gray and scutellum and membrane of hemelytron black. The hemelytra, excepting the membrane, are typically red. The males of the red forms frequently have the black of the membrane extending forward upon the distal portion of clavus and corium. The pale and dark forms have only the slightest suggestion of red. (Hungerford 1933)
Where is Notonecta lobata found?
Range: AZ-TX / Mex. locally common, occurs as far east as Austin, TX
When is Notonecta lobata active?
Notonecta lobata: seasonal activity - Mar-Nov in AZ (Hungerford 1933).