Notonecta obliqua
This record describes Notonecta obliqua (species). Recorded family: Notonectidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This distinctive species has dark elytra marked with bold whitish markings. 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. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. This species has a preference for acid pools and replaces the more common Notonecta glauca at higher altitudes. It can however be found in lowland non-acidic habitats. Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. No additional images available for this species.
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
This species has a preference for acid pools and replaces the more common Notonecta glauca at higher altitudes. It can however be found in lowland non-acidic habitats.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Notonecta obliqua. 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 obliqua (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Notonecta obliqua
What is Notonecta obliqua?
Notonecta obliqua is a species in the family Notonectidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Notonecta obliqua found?
Habitat: This species has a preference for acid pools and replaces the more common Notonecta glauca at higher altitudes. It can however be found in lowland non-acidic habitats.
When is Notonecta obliqua active?
Notonecta obliqua: seasonal activity - All year round..