THE XERCES SOCIETY FOR INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION

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

The pygmy backswimmers are found in still waters with dense aquatic vegetation. They swim rarely, but when they do, they swim on their backs propelled by their hind legs, obtaining oxygen from air trapped under their wings. They typically prey on tiny crustaceans.

These tiny true bugs have very convex bodies that are slightly flattened from side to side. Their front legs are not raptorial, and are similar to the other legs. The antennae are small and not clearly visible; the hind legs have claws at the tip; wing veins are usually not present; and the abdomen lacks breathing tubes.