Backswimmers
Scientific name: Notonectidae
Backswimmers
Scientific name: Notonectidae
Description
Contrary to what one might assume, these aquatic Notonectidae are not peaceful swimmers; they are fierce predators, equipped with piercing and sucking mouthparts used to inject a venomous saliva that subdues their prey, which includes other insects and even small fish. Another myth surrounding Notonectidae is their supposed harmlessness due to their size; however, their bite is quite painful to humans, earning them the nickname 'water wasps.' This biting capability is an evolutionary adaptation for capturing and consuming prey rather than a defensive mechanism against humans.