Streamlined Backswimmer vs Smoky Rubyspot
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Streamlined Backswimmer | Smoky Rubyspot |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Notonecta irrorata | Hetaerina titia |
| Order | Hemiptera | Odonata |
| Family | Notonectidae | Calopterygidae |
| Size | 10-13 mm | 38-48 mm |
| Habitat | Ponds & Lakes | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America, Central America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Streamlined Backswimmer
A pale backswimmer with mottled wings found in still and slow-moving waters across North America. Like other backswimmers, it hangs just below the water surface film waiting for prey vibrations. It is a strong underwater swimmer.
Did You Know?
It senses prey by detecting surface water vibrations with specialized sensory hairs on its legs, effectively turning the water surface into a detection web.
Smoky Rubyspot
A damselfly with dark smoky wings and amber-red basal patches in males. It is found along forested streams in the eastern United States and Mexico.
Did You Know?
Its wings are much darker and smokier than those of its relative, the American Rubyspot.