Water bugs can fly!--I did not know that: I have observed these little bugs in the spring swimming erratically in shallow pond water but have never gotten close enough to get a decent...

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum

Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰

Water bugs can fly!--I did not know that.

Apr 14, 2015 09:14:51 #

naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

I have observed these little bugs in the spring swimming erratically in shallow pond water but have never gotten close enough to get a decent shot. I found one in the bird bath ( and thought, how the heck did it get in here) but took the opportunity to try to get some photos. After watching it zip around for a while, it finally came to rest on the bottom (Photo #1). suddenly it went to the edge of the water & crawled out. I managed to get three shots before it suddenly flew away! Now I know how it got there. I think it's a water boatman. Enjoy.

At rest in about 1 inch of water

(Download)

Last (and best) shot before it flew away

(Download)

Apr 14, 2015 09:24:40 #

rhadams824 Loc: Arkansas

I believe it is a Dytiscidae, predaceous diving beetles, a family of water beetles: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dytiscidae
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=dytiscidae&qpvt=dytiscidae&qpvt=dytiscidae&FORM=IGRE

Apr 14, 2015 10:02:15 #

naturepics43 Loc: Hocking Co. Ohio - USA

rhadams824 wrote:

Thanks so much for the ID. In looking in another field guide, it looks to be Acilius mediatus http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/59730261 & a male because of the discs on the front feet. Thanks again.