Belostoma flumineum
| Belostoma flumineum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Family: | Belostomatidae |
| Genus: | Belostoma |
| Species: | B. flumineum |
| Binomial name | |
|
Belostoma flumineum Say, 1832 |
|
Belostoma flumineum is a North American species of giant water bug (family Belostomatidae). Due to the relatively large size, 2–2.5 cm (0.79–0.98 in) in length, they are a commonly seen predator in ponds and wetlands. As typical of members of the family, they exhibits exclusive post copulatory paternal care. Exclusive paternal care has been the focus of many studies done on this species. Other studies have been done on food webs and predation pressure using this species because they are an apex predator (among invertebrates) in their preferred habitats.
Ovoid-elongate in body shape that is dorsoventrally flattened and brown in coloration. They can range 2–2.5 cm (0.79–0.98 in) in length.B.flumineum are insects so naturally have six legs although the front two are strong raptorial legs for catching and holding prey in a vice grip. The other four legs are slightly flattened and used for swimming. The mouth parts consist of a stout syringe-like rostrum or beak and long piercing stylets that were once mandibles and maxillae. They also have retractable strap-like appendages that allow for snorkeling while under water which are located on the posterier end of the abdomen. They have large eyes, but lack oceli, which are small light-detecting sensory organs.
Belostoma flumineum are commonly found in wetlands, marshes and ponds throughout North America. They live among weeds and like ponds with muddy bottoms which are good for over wintering in. Common species that B. flumineum prey upon are backswimmers, water boatmen, dragonfly nymphs, and snails. While they do not regularly participate in cannibalism they will attack smaller individuals of the same species. Reproduction in this species has 2 phases, a fall cycle and a spring cycle, where in the fall they are young breeders and in spring they are over wintered adults.
Belostoma flumineum females lay their eggs on the backs of their mates and from this point onward it is the males job to care for them until they hatch in 7–14 days. Males can carry up to 100 eggs on their backs at once. Males care for their eggs by making sure the eggs get enough oxygen and protection from predators. Since the eggs are so large they can not stay submerged underwater and use diffusion to absorb oxygen available in the water. The males must remain at the air-water interface so that the eggs are provided with enough oxygen, this behavior is called air brooding. Brood pumping and brood stroking are another behaviour males do to increase the water flow over the eggs for better oxygen access. Even though males care for the eggs they will still discard them depending on the egg pad size, age of the male and the presence of females. It has also been found that Males with small egg pads have a temperature dependent discard rate because cooler temperatures mark the end of breeding season so at cool temperature they are less likely to discard a small egg pad compared to warmer temperatures.
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Wikipedia