Rhagovelia plumbea
This record describes Rhagovelia plumbea (species). Recorded family: Veliidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Hind tarsi 2-segmented (basal segment very small); eyes with long setae; marine coastal/estuarine species
Wikipedia reference for Rhagovelia plumbea: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhagovelia_plumbea.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Gerroidea
- Family
- Veliidae (Smaller Water Striders)
- Genus
- Rhagovelia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
marine coastal/estuarine; often found around docks
Geographic Range
FL; probably occurs along the entire Gulf Coast
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Rhagovelia plumbea. 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 Rhagovelia plumbea (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by cotinis , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhagovelia plumbea
What is Rhagovelia plumbea?
Rhagovelia plumbea is a species in the family Veliidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Rhagovelia plumbea?
2.4-3.5 mm
How do you identify Rhagovelia plumbea?
Hind tarsi 2-segmented (basal segment very small); eyes with long setae; marine coastal/estuarine species
Where is Rhagovelia plumbea found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | marine coastal/estuarine; often found around docks |
| Range | FL; probably occurs along the entire Gulf Coast |