Water Boatman

This insect’s body is shaped like a boat, perfect for swimming. Its long, flattened hind legs make excellent paddles. The bug is actually dark colored, but an envelope of air used as its oxygen supply sometimes makes it appear silvery. This air also makes it hard for the insect to stay submerged. It has to grab onto plants or other objects to stay underwater. The water boatman feeds on oozy algae or dead plants and animals, which it scrapes toward its sucking beak with its front feet. The male attracts a female with a chirping sound made by rubbing his front feet against his beak and opposite leg.
In order to breath the Water boatman pokes the shoulder area of its body through the surface of the water. Thin, hair like structures are pushed through the surface to gather air. The air is stored beneath the wings. This stored air acts like an air tank and allows this aquatic insect to remain underwater for long periods of time.

Water boatman feed mainly on plant material at the bottom of the pond. As it hunts for food, it must anchor itself by grabbing objects with its middle legs or it will simply float to the surface. The adults have wings and can fly from pond to pond in search of food. Since these bugs are attracted to light they can often be found in backyard swimming pools.
After mating in the spring, the female Water boatmen attach their eggs to submerged grasses or reeds. These eggs are an important source of food for fish and birds. The eggs are also gathered by people to create pet food for turtles and fish.