ExploreInsects

Milky Backswimmers

Notonecta

Milky Backswimmers are small water bugs that love to swim upside down! They have special legs that help them glide through the water, making them fun to watch.

Habitat: Wetlands

Appearance

The Milky Backswimmers has an elongated, somewhat flattened body, typically pale yellow, greenish, or brownish. Its most distinguishing feature is its milky, frosted-looking back which is its underside when it swims. This pale coloration helps it blend in while swimming upside down.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyNotonectidaeGenusNotonecta
Milky Backswimmers
gliding trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgewetland trait badgecarnivorous trait badge
Milky Backswimmers

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Milky Backswimmers can deliver a painful 'bite' if handled, earning them the nickname 'water bee'!

Their huge eyes let them see almost all around, making it hard for prey to hide!

They can often spend winter frozen solid in ice and then thaw out to live again!

To stay anchored underwater, they cleverly hook onto plants using tiny claws on their legs!

Special abilities

Ability

Underwater Breather

Milky Backswimmers has a silvery air bubble attached to its underside that helps them breathe underwater like a tiny scuba tank.

Ability

Upside-Down Swimmer

Milky Backswimmers can swim upside down because their strong hind legs propel them, helping them ambush prey from below.

Ability

Powerful Paddler

Milky Backswimmers can paddle swiftly with their long, oar-like hind legs, allowing them to chase prey and escape danger quickly.

Ability

Amphibious Flyer

Milky Backswimmers can take to the air using strong wings, helping them find new ponds if their current home dries up.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
20-40 mm
Size
10-20 mm
Lifespan
90-365 days
Flight Speed
7 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

These aquatic predators love to munch on other small creatures swimming in their watery homes!

Primary Foods

  • mosquito larvae
  • aquatic insects
  • small tadpoles
  • small fish

Foraging Method

  • Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Common House Mosquito

Culex pipiens

Eats larvae and pupae.

hunts

Common Frog

Rana temporaria

Preys on tadpoles.

eaten by

European Perch

Perca fluviatilis

Eaten by fish.

eaten by

Mallard Duck

Anas platyrhynchos

Preyed upon by birds.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Be careful near water! Always stay close to an adult when exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Milky Backswimmers's wingspan?

20-40 mm

How big is Milky Backswimmers?

10-20 mm

How long does Milky Backswimmers live?

90-365 days

How fast can Milky Backswimmers fly?

7 km/h

What does Milky Backswimmers eat?

These aquatic predators love to munch on other small creatures swimming in their watery homes!

Where is Milky Backswimmers usually found?

Wetlands

How does Milky Backswimmers hunt?

Ambush

How many legs does Milky Backswimmers have?

6

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