Code QH509999

Small semi-aquatic bugs not more than 3mm long, brown in colour with a greyish forewing sheen. Dipsocoridae live interstitially in gravel on river banks, and are fast runners. The antennae are 4-segmented with segments 3-4 bristly and longer than segments 1-2 (also seen in Ceratocombidae).

Dipsocoridae may be difficult to distinguish from Ceratocombidae. When winged the costal fracture reaches the centre of the forewing. The rostrum (labium) is short, never reaching beyond the fore coxae.

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.