Black-kneed Capsid vs North American Backswimmer
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Black-kneed Capsid | North American Backswimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Blepharidopterus angulatus | Notonecta undulata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Miridae | Notonectidae |
| Size | 5-6 mm | 10-14 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | Europe | North America |
| 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.
North American Backswimmer
A common backswimmer across North America that hunts by floating upside down at the surface. Its large eyes help it spot prey from below.
Did You Know?
It is an important natural predator of mosquito larvae and can significantly reduce mosquito populations in small ponds.