Small aquatic and ripicolous bugs (Heteroptera: Nepomorpha) as predators and prey: The question of economic importance

Miroslav Papáček

doi:10.14411/eje.2001.001

Abstract

Some features of the biology and feeding relationships of small waterbugs (Notonectidae, Corixidae, Pleidae, Helotrephidae, Aphelocheiridae) and ripicolous bugs (Gelastocoridae, Ochteridae) are reviewed. Individual families are discussed as predators or as prey of other animals. Special attention is given to characteristics and relationships that affect human beings directly or indirectly. The most important relationships from the economic point of view are: bugs and blood-sucking Diptera, bugs and fish, bugs and some endangered or protected amphibians and water birds. Of less importance is the occasional use of some aquatic bugs as saprobity bioindicators. It seems that the economic importance of these bugs has been underestimated.

Highlights

The most comprehensive recent information on the biology and ecology of water bugs, especially of Corixidae and Notonectidae, is given by Jansson (1986), Savage (1989), Williams & Feltmate (1992), and Hutchinson (1993)
The other nepomorphan families are not thought to be eco nomically important. Perhaps members of these families are of some economic importance; per haps we do not know enough about their biology
The notonectids are predators of mosquito and some other blood-sucking Diptera (e.g., Ceratopogonidae) larvae and pupae, which they attack as surface prey

Summary

Introduction

The most comprehensive recent information on the biology and ecology of water bugs, especially of Corixidae and Notonectidae, is given by Jansson (1986), Savage (1989), Williams & Feltmate (1992), and Hutchinson (1993). The small species of aquatic bugs are probably biologically the most important adult insects in the littoral region of lakes and ponds (Hutchin son, 1993). The small swimming pelagic water bugs with feeding relationships with necton, are Notonectidae, Corixidae, Pleidae, and Helotrephidae.

Results

Conclusion