Lesser Water Boatman vs Florida Leaf-footed Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lesser Water Boatman | Florida Leaf-footed Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sigara striata | Acanthocephala femorata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Corixidae | Coreidae |
| Size | 6-8 mm | 18-22 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Orchards |
| Diet | Detritivores | Sap Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Southeastern United States, Caribbean |
| 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.
Florida Leaf-footed Bug
A large robust coreid bug with distinctive leaf-like expansions on its hind tibiae. It is dark brown to black with slightly expanded pronotal margins. Males possess greatly enlarged hind femora used in intrasexual combat.
Did You Know?
When threatened, it can release a pungent spray from scent glands that smells like rotten almonds and can stain skin temporarily.