Black-kneed Capsid vs Common Pond Skater
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black-kneed Capsid | Common Pond Skater |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Blepharidopterus angulatus | Aquarius najas |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Miridae | Gerridae |
| Size | 5-6 mm | 14-17 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Black-kneed Capsid
A slender, pale green mirid bug with distinctive black knee joints. It is a beneficial predator found in European apple orchards where it feeds on red spider mites. It is one of the most important natural enemies of fruit tree red spider mite.
Did You Know?
A single individual can consume over 100 spider mites per day, making it so effective that some orchardists manage their spraying programs to conserve this natural predator.
Common Pond Skater
A large, elongate water strider that glides across the surface of flowing rivers and large ponds. It is one of the biggest European gerrid species with a dark brown body.
Did You Know?
Pond skaters communicate with potential mates and rivals by generating specific ripple patterns on the water surface, essentially sending coded messages across the water.