Ohio Backswimmers | Insects | Hemiptera
Overview Of Ohio Backswimmers
Backswimmers are aquatic insects known for swimming upside down using their long hind legs as paddles They inhabit ponds marshes and slow moving streams throughout Ohio feeding on small aquatic animals Their ability to trap air on their bodies allows them to dive and remain underwater for extended periods.
Verified Species Examples
Common Backswimmer Notonecta Undulata | Greater Backswimmer Notonecta Hoffmanni | Lesser Backswimmer Notonecta Kirbysii
Finding And Observing Backswimmers
Backswimmers can be observed in shallow ponds and marsh edges where they swim near the surface Using a small dip net can help you see them up close but they should be released gently since they are important aquatic predators.
Authoritative Reference Sources
Ohio Department Of Natural Resources Division Of Wildlife | Bugguide Iowa State University | Integrated Taxonomic Information System Itis | Peterson Field Guide To Aquatic Insects
Other Ohio Insects
Ohio Alderflies | Ohio Ants | Ohio Assassin Bugs | Ohio Backswimmers | Ohio Bees | Ohio Beetles | Ohio Butterflies | Ohio Camel Crickets | Ohio Carrion Beetles | Ohio Caddisflies | Ohio Centipedes | Ohio Cicadas | Ohio Click Beetles | Ohio Crickets | Ohio Damselflies | Ohio Deer Flies | Ohio Dobsonflies | Ohio Dragonflies | Ohio Fireflies | Ohio Fishflies | Ohio Flea Beetles | Ohio Fungus Gnats | Ohio Giant Silk Moths | Ohio Ground Beetles | Ohio Harvestmen | Ohio Hellgrammites | Ohio Horse Flies | Ohio Hoverflies | Ohio Katydids | Ohio Leafhoppers | Ohio Longhorn Beetles | Ohio Mayflies | Ohio Midges | Ohio Millipedes | Ohio Mole Crickets | Ohio Mosquitoes | Ohio Moths | Ohio Pillbugs | Ohio Planthoppers | Ohio Rove Beetles | Ohio Scarab Beetles | Ohio Skippers | Ohio Soldier Beetles | Ohio Spiders | Ohio Springtails | Ohio Stick Insects | Ohio Stoneflies | Ohio Stink Bugs | Ohio Tiger Beetles | Ohio Tiger Moths | Ohio Treehoppers | Ohio Underwing Moths | Ohio Velvet Ants | Ohio Water Boatmen | Ohio Water Scorpions | Ohio Water Striders | Ohio Weevils | Ohio Whirligig Beetles | Ohio Wolf Spiders | Ohio Yellowjackets