THE XERCES SOCIETY FOR INVERTEBRATE CONSERVATION

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

The family Veliidae contains several subfamilies, one of which, the Microveliinae, can be found in wetlands. This subfamily prefers to dwell at the water's edge. They can be found in pools, ponds, and lakes, and very rarely in open water. Like the water striders (Gerridae) and the whirligig beetles (Gyrinidae), they are often found in large groups.

Veliidae can be confused with Gerridae; both have pre-apical claws and long antennae. However, veliids have short stout bodies, and the femurs of their hind legs do not extend past the end of their abdomen.