Toad bugs

Code QH649999

A family of squat, distinctive bugs most members of which are semi-aquatic on muddy or sandy shores, on damp rock faces or in shallow marginal water. A lesser number of species are wholly terrestrial. All 23 known Australian species belong in the cosmopolitan genus Nerthra (Nerthrinae).

Gelastocoridae are yellow-brown coloured bugs with a short, wide head. The antennae are not visible from above; the eyes at the antero-lateral corners. The pronotum is wide and rectangular with a warty appearance and the scutellum likewise warty. The abdomen is short but wide. Forelegs are raptorial with the femur strongly developed.

Both juveniles and adults hop actively and pounce on their prey, and even winged adults have not been seen to fly.

Reference:

Carver, M., Gross, G.F. and Woodward, T.E. (1991) Hemiptera. pp. 429-509. In: CSIRO, Insects of Australia. Volume 1. Melbourne University Press, Carlton, Victoria.