Habitat
Adults: aquatic
Immatures: aquatic

Feeding Habits
Adults: predaceous
Immatures: predaceous

North American
Species: 34

Hemiptera Notonectidae
Backswimmers

Special Characteristics: Backswimmers have very pale, convex hemielytra which face ventrally as these bugs swim upside down through the water. The hind legs are very long and oar-like.

Comments: Backswimmers swim upside down, with the ventral side uppermost. They are predators of other insects and occasionally tadpoles and small fish. They frequently attack animals larger than themselves and feed by sucking juices from their prey. The underside of the body holds a bubble of air trapped by rows of hairs. They are frequently found resting at the surface of the water with their body at an angle, head down and hind legs extended.

Species:
Notonecta undalata Say

Common Name:

Distribution:
Widespread in Canada