Neotropical Backswimmer vs Ornate Derbid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Neotropical Backswimmer | Ornate Derbid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Buenoa antigone | Cedusa ornata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Notonectidae | Derbidae |
| Size | 5-9 mm | 4-7 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Underground |
| Diet | Omnivores | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay | Southeastern United States, Caribbean |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Neotropical Backswimmer
A small aquatic bug that swims upside-down using its long oar-like hind legs. Its pale ventral surface provides camouflage when viewed from below against the sky.
Did You Know?
It carries a silvery air bubble on its belly that functions like a physical gill, extracting dissolved oxygen from the water.
Ornate Derbid
A tiny planthopper with delicate wings featuring intricate brown patterning. Adults have characteristically elongated wings that extend well beyond the body.
Did You Know?
The switch from fungal feeding as nymphs to plant sap feeding as adults represents one of the most dramatic dietary shifts in the insect world.