Notonecta maculata
This record describes Notonecta maculata (species). Recorded family: Notonectidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Notonecta are up to nearly 2 cm and commonly called backswimmers because they swim upside down and are often seen at the surface of the water. Notonecta maculata is light brown in colour with a number of dark markings and large reddish eyes. It is distinguished from other members of the genus by mottled brick-coloured forewings. It often looks silvery as air becomes trapped in a layer of bristles covering the lower surface. The powerful oar-like hind legs are modified for swimming; they are long, flattened and fringed with hairs. There are four UK Notonecta species and whilst they look broadly similar they can all be separated in the field from the different elytral markings. See ID Aids below. Backswimmers are predators that attack prey as large as tadpoles and small fish. The forelegs, which are short and strong, are used for grabbing prey. Widespread but less frequent than the Common Backswimmer, Notonecta glauca .
Wikipedia reference for Notonecta maculata: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notonecta_maculata.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Notonectidae
- Genus
- Notonecta
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In ponds, cattle troughs, etc.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Backswimmers are predators that attack prey as large as tadpoles and small fish. The forelegs, which are short and strong, are used for grabbing prey.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but less frequent than the Common Backswimmer,
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Notonecta maculata. 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 maculata (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Notonecta maculata
What is Notonecta maculata?
Notonecta maculata is a species in the family Notonectidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Notonecta maculata found?
Habitat: In ponds, cattle troughs, etc.
When is Notonecta maculata active?
Notonecta maculata: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Notonecta maculata?
Backswimmers are predators that attack prey as large as tadpoles and small fish. The forelegs, which are short and strong, are used for grabbing prey.