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Waterboatman


Waterboatman, courtesy of Ray Kellett

These small, brown insects tend to dwell at the bottom of ponds, lakes and slow-moving canals and rivers, only coming to the surface for air.

Their hair-covered back legs are used like paddles to propel them through the water, whilst their short front legs are used to scoop up food.

The waterboatman is often confused with the common backswimmer, also known as the greater waterboatman. Common backswimmers can be distinguished by their diet as they feed on tadpoles, small fish and sometimes waterboatmen, rather than algae. Their name also signifies that they swim upside down on their backs. Aside from the common backswimmer, the waterboatman has many predators including water beetles, dragonfly larvae, newts, fish, and moorhens.

When it comes to mating, male waterboatmen will attract females with a courtship ‘song’, which they perform by rubbing their front legs against a ridge on their head. The female will then lay her eggs and attach them to plants or floating algae.

Facts

Appearance: Waterboatmen are small, flat, brown insects, with long hind legs and short front legs

Size: They can grow up to 20mm in length

Weight:

Lifespan:

Diet: Plant matter and algae

Family: Corixidae

Did you know?

  • Waterboatmen were so named because of their likeness to rowing boats – owing to their long hind legs that protrude like oars.
  • Although known for living in water, the waterboatman will also fly during warm weather.
  • Greater waterboatmen have a nasty bite so you should never try to handle one.