Backswimmer

Habitat:

Bog

Notes:

According to The Wildlife Garden Project, http://www.wildlifegardenproject.com/wil..., this vicious bug is a strong flyer in warmer weather, populating ponds and other still waters in summer. Unlike the Common Water Boatman, it enjoys a leisurely backstroke rather than breaststroke, which is the easiest way to distinguish the two species. Its hairy belly helps it to retain an air bubble there. A voracious predator, it can gobble up other insects, tadpoles and even small fish. Resting on the water’s surface, it detects vibrations from below and dives to investigate. If the culprit is edible, the backswimmer will pierce it with its needle like rostrum and inject it with toxic juices.