Water boatmen
Scientific name: Corixidae
Water boatmen
Scientific name: Corixidae
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Despite their serene appearance as they skim across water surfaces, members of the Corixidae family, commonly known as water boatmen, lead a far more fascinating existence than one might expect. Contrary to public perception, these aquatic insects are not merely passive drifters but are remarkably adept swimmers, using their oar-like legs to navigate swiftly. Remarkably, Corixidae are also known for their ability to 'sing' by rubbing their body parts together – a rare trait among insects, which they use for communication during mating. This characteristic defies the typical silent portrayal of underwater life, revealing an unexpectedly vibrant soundscape beneath tranquil waters.
Species of Water boatmen
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original