• 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 SensitiveSomewhat SensitiveFacultativeSomewhat TolerantVery 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.