- 125 species in North America
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Heteroptera |
| Family: | Corixidae |
Identification Tips:
• Back covered in intricate pattern of yellowish and black
• Long rear legs with stiff hairs to assist in swimming
• Cone shaped beak with mouth opening, no moving parts externally
• Large eyes
• Quick darting movements along bottom.
Life History:
• Found on or among aquatic plants or on bare, soft mud or silt
• May migrate (fly) between seasonal habitats
• Can tolerate harsh conditions including brackish water
• Feed on detritus, algae and zooplankton
• Breathe from an air bubble trapped beneath the wings
| POLLUTION TOLERANCE | ||||
| Very Sensitive | Somewhat Sensitive | Facultative | Somewhat Tolerant | Very Tolerant |
| Most | ||||
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Primary Information Source:
Voshell, J. Reese. 2002. A Guide to Common Freshwater Invertebrates of North America. McDonald and Woodward Publishing Company. Blacksburg, Virginia.
