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.