Water boatman  (Notonecta glauca)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

The water boatman is a common water bug, which swims on its back and is often seen at the surface of the water (3). It is light brown in colour with a number of dark markings and large reddish eyes (2). The powerful oar-like hind legs are modified for swimming; they are long, flattened and fringed with hairs (3). The forelegs, which are short and strong, are used for grabbing prey (2). The larvae, or 'nymphs', are white or greenish in colour and are fairly similar in appearance to the adults (2). The water boatman often looks silvery as air becomes trapped in a layer of bristles covering the lower surface (4). All true bugs have sucking mouthparts known as a rostrum or a beak; in this species the rostrum is very short and strong (3).

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