Pygmy Backswimmer
Plea minutissima
This record describes Plea minutissima (species). Recorded family: Pleidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Occurs in a wide range of aquatic habitats including ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It hunts for Water Fleas and other small animals.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread and fairly frequent in England and Wales.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Plea minutissima. 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 Pygmy Backswimmer (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pygmy Backswimmer
Where is Pygmy Backswimmer found?
Habitat: Occurs in a wide range of aquatic habitats including ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers.
When is Pygmy Backswimmer active?
Pygmy Backswimmer: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Pygmy Backswimmer?
It hunts for Water Fleas and other small animals.