Neotropical Backswimmer vs Sod Webworm Moth
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Neotropical Backswimmer | Sod Webworm Moth |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Buenoa antigone | Crambus praefectellus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Notonectidae | Crambidae |
| Size | 5-9 mm | 18-22 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay | North America |
| 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.
Sod Webworm Moth
A small straw-colored moth that holds its wings tightly rolled around its body at rest, giving it a tubular appearance. Its larvae create silk-lined tunnels in lawn thatch.
Did You Know?
Homeowners often first notice them as small pale moths that flush up in clouds when walking across the lawn at dusk.