Common Backswimmer
Notonecta glauca
Notonecta glauca, commonly known as the backswimmer, is a small aquatic insect famous for swimming upside down. It is widely found across Europe in still or slow-moving freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and ditches. This species is a skilled predator, feeding on insects, larvae, and other small aquatic organisms. Its long hind legs act like oars, allowing it to move quickly just beneath the water surface. The backswimmer has a light underside and darker back, providing effective camouflage. It can also deliver a painful bite if handled. It plays an important role in maintaining balance in freshwater ecosystems by controlling populations of other aquatic species.
Minimum size: 0 cm
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