Backswimmer vs Mountain Leafhopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Backswimmer Mountain Leafhopper
Scientific Name Notonecta glauca Cicadella montana
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Notonectidae Cicadellidae
Size 14-16 mm 7-9 mm body length
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Mountains
Diet Predators Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Backswimmer

An aquatic bug that swims upside down just beneath the water surface, using its long hind legs as oars. Its back is keeled like a boat hull and pale-colored for camouflage when viewed from below.

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Did You Know?

Backswimmers swim inverted with their pale backs facing downward, providing counter-shading camouflage against the bright sky when predators look up from below.

Mountain Leafhopper

A bright green leafhopper found on mountain herbs and shrubs. It feeds on plant phloem sap and can jump impressive distances.

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Did You Know?

It can leap over 100 times its own body length to escape predators.