Lesser Water Boatman vs Cotton Stainer Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Water Boatman | Cotton Stainer Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sigara striata | Dysdercus suturellus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Corixidae | Pyrrhocoridae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 12-17 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Heathland |
| Diet | Detritivores | Seed Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Lesser Water Boatman
A small water boatman with fine dark striations across its forewings. It is among the most abundant aquatic insects in European standing waters. It feeds by scraping algae and organic material from submerged surfaces.
Did You Know?
In Mexico, a related species' eggs are harvested in such quantities from lake surfaces that they are dried and sold as a traditional food called 'ahuautle,' once known as Mexican caviar.
Cotton Stainer Bug
A red and black bug that stains cotton bolls by introducing fungal spores while feeding.
Did You Know?
Aggregations of hundreds gather on fallen cotton bolls and hibiscus seed pods.