Which heteropterans live in freshwater habitats?

While most members of the suborder Heteroptera are terrestrial, several groups have adapted to freshwater environments. These insects are generally categorized by their specific ecological habits within or near the water.1

Fully Aquatic Heteropterans

These species live submerged in freshwater habitats. Some, such as the water scorpion (family Nepidae), remain near the surface and breathe through a caudal siphon. Others are active swimmers that dive deeply, including:

• Water boatmen (family Corixidae)
• Backswimmers (family Notonectidae)
• Giant water bugs (family Belostomatidae)
• Creeping water bugs (family Naucoridae)12

Semiaquatic and Shore-Dwelling Heteropterans

These insects are associated with freshwater but occupy the surface film or the immediate shoreline:

• Surface dwellers: Insects like water striders (family Gerridae), marsh treaders (family Hydrometridae), and water treaders (family Mesoveliidae) are supported by the water's surface film.12
• Shore dwellers: Groups such as shore bugs (family Saldidae), velvet water bugs (family Hebridae), and velvety shore bugs (family Ochteridae) typically frequent shorelines but may occasionally venture onto the water's surface.12