What is the difference between backswimmers and water boatmen?

- Backswimmers: Elongated and dorsoventrally flattened body, resembling miniature beetles.

- Water Boatmen: Oval or elongated, with a more rounded body shape.

Swimming Orientation:

- Backswimmers: Exclusively swim upside-down, using their legs to propel themselves through water.

- Water Boatmen: Swim right-side-up, and some species may also glide on the water surface.

Legs and Movement:

- Backswimmers: The hind pair of legs is modified for swimming, with dense bristles that paddle and push against water.

- Water Boatmen: The hind pair of legs is paddle-like, but used more for steering and stabilizing their body.

Air Storage and Breathing:

- Backswimmers: They trap a small air bubble under the specialized hairs of their wings, allowing them to breathe even while upside-down.

- Water Boatmen: They do not trap an air bubble but must regularly return to the surface to refill the tracheae that run through their bodies. They hold the tip of their abdomen at the water's surface while doing so.

Habitat and Behavior:

- Backswimmers: Commonly found in freshwater ponds and streams, feeding on other small aquatic insects. They move in erratic and darting patterns.

- Water Boatmen: Inhabit a variety of freshwater habitats, including ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams. They are less active swimmers compared to backswimmers and may rest motionless on the water's surface.

It's worth noting that backswimmers and water boatmen are both true bugs (Hemiptera), and they belong to different families within the order. Understanding these differences helps in identifying and distinguishing these two types of aquatic insects in their natural habitats.