Template:Notonectidae
From WikiEducator
Notonectidae
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Notonectidae
- Common name
- Back swimmer
When chased by net-wielding humans, these insects will swim actively to the pond floor. If you are patient they will float back up to the surface with a pair of long oar-like legs extending out to each side. Their belly, or ventral surface, is visible from above when they are swimming; hence their common name. They break the surface with their rear ends and grab a bubble of fresh air to bring to the bottom of the pond with them. Their back surface has a distinct 'keel' and looks very boat like in shape. In many years of handling insects with large groups of students, there has been but 1 bite, delivered by a back swimmer. Handle with care!
