Pondweed Bug
Mesovelia furcata
This record describes Mesovelia furcata (species). Recorded family: Mesoveliidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a small bug (about 3 mm) in a family group known as water treaders. Mesovelia furcata has a greenish colour and rather slim shape. It is usually wingless but winged forms do occur and these may fly to colonise new areas. Around the margins of well vegetated ponds. The eggs (about 100) are inserted in plants. The tiny larva hatch in spring. Widespread in the southern half of Britain.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Mesoveliidae
- Genus
- Mesovelia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around the margins of well vegetated ponds.
Seasonal Activity
Summer and early autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The eggs (about 100) are inserted in plants. The tiny larva hatch in spring.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread in the southern half of Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Mesovelia furcata. 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 Pondweed Bug (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pondweed Bug
What is Pondweed Bug?
Pondweed Bug (Mesovelia furcata) is a species in the family Mesoveliidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Pondweed Bug found?
Habitat: Around the margins of well vegetated ponds.
When is Pondweed Bug active?
Pondweed Bug: seasonal activity - Summer and early autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Pondweed Bug?
The eggs (about 100) are inserted in plants. The tiny larva hatch in spring.