Backswimmers

Code QH679999

These predatory bugs swim upside-down, usually just under the water surface, and are common in still or slowly running waters. The family is cosmopolitan and occurs throughout Australia.

Notonectidae can be recognised by their convex dorsal surface, a broad ventral 'keel' on the abdomen, large eyes which cover most of the lateral margin of the head, a smooth pronotum and forewing corium, and the somewhat flattened hind tibae with a prominent fringe of swimming hairs (swimming hairs occur also on other legs/leg segments). The forewing has a short membrane. Adults are more than 4mm long.

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.