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Notonecta maculata

Notonecta maculata

A species of Notonecta

Notonecta maculata is a backswimmer of the family Notonectidae, found in Europe, including the United Kingdom.

General Info About Notonecta maculata
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Attributes of Notonecta maculata
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Habitat
Notonecta maculata generally live in small freshwater ponds within the United Kingdom, but can also be found in storm water retention ponds, lakes, swamps, and rivers, as long as the water they are in is freshwater. Although they can live in a single pond for all of their life, they will use their wings to fly away to a different pond in the presence of vertebrate predators. The Notonecta genus select habitats which enable them to exploit specific foraging strategies. These habitats factor in the presence and density of vegetation, water opacity, nature of the substrate, and prey abundance and diversity. Notonecta maculata instars tend to survive better in an environment where these elements are in a relatively simple state, and will not survive as well when these factors in the environment are more complex, although their survival rate in a complex environment increases as it goes through instar stages. N. irrorata release two kairomones, n-tricosane and n-heneicosane, that repel the oviposition of Culiseta longiareolata mosquitoes in ponds that N. irrorata inhabits.
Adult Food Sources
Small fish, tadpoles, aquatic insects, insect larvae, amphibian eggs
Larva Food Source
Mosquito larvae, small aquatic invertebrates, daphnia (water fleas), fish eggs, other zooplankton
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Species Status of Notonecta maculata
Widespread
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Distribution Area of Notonecta maculata
Europe, United Kingdom
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Predators of Adult Notonecta maculata
Birds, frogs, toads, fish, salamanders, predacious diving beetles
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Interesting Facts About Notonecta maculata
Notonecta maculata can sleep upside down, floating at the water's surface, using its hind legs covered in fine hairs to trap air for buoyancy.
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Scientific Classification of Notonecta maculata
Tips for Finding Notonecta maculata
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Youth Habitat of Notonecta maculata
Freshwater Habitats
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Habitat Preferences of Notonecta maculata Through Different Life Stages
To locate the different growth stages of notonecta maculata, one must explore various freshwater habitats. The eggs are deposited underwater on plant stems or leaves, often in stagnant or slow-moving waters. Nymphs, resembling miniature adults but lacking full wings, are aquatic and typically found swimming upside down beneath the water surface in ponds, ditches, or lakes. Meanwhile, adults are also aquatic, adept swimmers, and frequent the same environments as the nymphs, but with developed wings, they have the added ability to fly to new habitats if necessary. Seeking these insects involves patient observation near or in freshwater bodies, gently turning over submerged foliage and examining the water's surface for their movement.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Notonecta maculata
The most suitable time to find notonecta maculata is during daylight hours, especially when the sun is at its peak, as they are more active and visible when hunting or moving about the water surface.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Notonecta maculata
Calm, warm weather conditions are most suitable for finding notonecta maculata since they are often found in still or slow-moving freshwater bodies. During such weather, the surface of the water is likely to be undisturbed, making it easier to spot notonecta maculata.
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How and Where Can You Find Notonecta maculata at Different Life Stages
Egg Notonecta maculata eggs are typically laid on aquatic vegetation. To find them, carefully inspect the stems and leaves of plants in still water bodies such as ponds or slow-moving streams.
Nymph Notonecta maculata nymphs are aquatic and share a similar habitat with the adults. They can be found by using a net to gently sweep through vegetation and the water's surface in ponds or ditches.
Adult Notonecta maculata adults are known for their back-swimming behavior near the water surface. Spotting notonecta maculata can be done by looking for them in open water or near the edges of ponds and lakes where they may be skimming the surface or clinging to vegetation.
Are Notonecta maculata harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Notonecta maculata
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Nymphs
Purpose
Feed Itself
Notonecta maculata is an aquatic predator that cleverly uses its back-swimming ability to ambush prey. Relying on stealth and quick bursts of speed, this insect impales its victims with its piercing mouthparts, making a meal of them to satisfy its hunger. Underwater, it is a silent assassin that mainly targets mosquito larvae and other soft-bodied aquatic insects.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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