Water Boatmen

Family Corixidae

Hesperocorixa vulgaris. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

They feed on algae and other minute aquatic organisms. A few species are predaceous, feeding on midge larvae and other small aquatic animals. They are able to ingest solid particles of food, not only liquids. They are common insects in freshwater ponds and lakes, occasionally they are found in streams.Water boatmen have an elongate, oval body. They are dark coloured, often with lines on the front wings. The front legs are short and scoop-like; the middle and hind legs are elongate and oar-like. The beak is short and broad.