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Eurasian Greater Water Boatman

Notonecta glauca

The Eurasian Greater Water Boatman is a fun little bug that loves to swim in ponds and lakes. It has a special shape that helps it glide smoothly on the water's surface, making it look like it's dancing!

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Eurasian Greater Water Boatman is a medium-sized insect with a boat-shaped body, dark brown on its back and yellowish underneath. It is distinctly different from similar insects as it usually swims upside down, exposing its lighter underside. Its long hind legs resemble oars.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyNotonectidaeGenusNotonecta
Eurasian Greater Water Boatman
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Eurasian Greater Water Boatman

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Often called 'water wasps' because their bite feels like a sting if you try to catch them!

They sing to each other by rubbing their front legs across their heads, like playing a tiny violin!

This clever bug uses tiny hairs on its legs to 'taste' the water for prey!

Unlike most insects, they swim upside down to watch for insects falling into the water!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Air Tanker

This insect carries an air bubble under its wings, acting like a portable oxygen tank to breathe underwater for extended periods.

Ability

Amphibious Flyer

It can take flight from water to find new ponds or escape danger, using its strong wings for aerial travel.

Ability

Powerful Paddles

Its long, oar-like hind legs are fringed with hairs, creating strong strokes that propel it quickly through the water.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-30 mm
Size
13-16 mm
Lifespan
250-365 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

This fierce water insect ambushes tiny creatures like tadpoles and small fish!

Primary Foods

  • insect larvae
  • small fish
  • tadpoles
  • other aquatic insects
  • water fleas

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

eats larval and pupal stages in water.

hunts

Water Flea

Daphnia pulex

preys on these small crustaceans in aquatic environments.

eaten by

European Perch

Perca fluviatilis

a common prey item for various fish species.

eaten by

Mallard Duck

Anas platyrhynchos

part of the diet for dabbling ducks and other water birds.

eaten by

Common Frog

Rana temporaria

adult frogs will prey on water boatmen.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Always watch where you step near water. Some bugs can bite, but most are friendly!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Eurasian Greater Water Boatman's wingspan?

25-30 mm

How big is Eurasian Greater Water Boatman?

13-16 mm

How long does Eurasian Greater Water Boatman live?

250-365 days

What does Eurasian Greater Water Boatman eat?

This fierce water insect ambushes tiny creatures like tadpoles and small fish!

Where is Eurasian Greater Water Boatman usually found?

Wetlands

How does Eurasian Greater Water Boatman hunt?

Ambush

How many legs does Eurasian Greater Water Boatman have?

6

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