THE XERCES SOCIETY FOR INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION

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

Ochterus is the only North American genus in this small family. They are primarily semiaquatic, living along the edges of water bodies, but can also be found where a thin film of water is seeping over vertical rock surfaces.

Velvet shore bugs are similar to the toad bugs (Gelastocoridae), although their bodies are smoother and somewhat velvety in appearance. Tthe front legs are not raptorial and are similar in size to the other legs. The antennae are short but generally visible. The hind legs have claws, and the abdomen lacks breathing tubes.