THE XERCES SOCIETY FOR INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION

Aquatic Invertebrates in Pacific Northwest Freshwater Wetlands
An Identification Guide and Educational Resource

Mesovelia is the only genus of Mesoveliidae in North America and can be found in wetlands and other still water habitats. They can be found on the water surface or in the water on plant stems and leaves.

The water treaders have very long prominent antennae, and the front legs with apical claws. Their body is compact and slender, and their wingtips lack veins. Their eyes are not as prominent a part of the head as in some related families. The legs have at least one or two stout dark spines on the femur.