Britannica Sources used in this answer

What animals do backswimmers prey on?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Backswimmers (family Notonectidae) are predatory insects that feed on a variety of small aquatic organisms. They hunt by using their strong beaks to pierce their prey and suck out their body fluids.1

Their diet primarily consists of:
* Insects1
* Small tadpoles1
* Fishes1

Certain species, particularly those in the genus Notonecta, can be quite destructive to populations of tadpoles and fish.1