- Water bugs can be found in freshwater throughout the state of New York. Most water bugs avoid strong currents and, therefore, are not usually seen in rivers. Ponds and slow streams are preferred as the water is calm and the surface is easily reached. While the majority of bugs are harmless to humans, some are capable of delivering painful bites.
- Given that Water Boatmen are the largest group of aquatic bugs, it's no wonder you can find them in the freshwater lakes, ponds and other waterways of New York. They do not have gills, so they must go to the top of the water in order to breath oxygen. They tend to grow up to 12 millimeters in length and have a gray oval shaped body. Their food of choice is algae and they attach their eggs to aquatic vegetation. The name boatmen refers to their hindlegs, which are elongated and shaped like oars.
- Water Striders have a flat and long body. They are sometimes called "Jesus bugs" because they appear to walk on water while swimming on its surface. The reason they can stay on top of water is due to the fact that their legs are covered with water resistant hairs. Their legs are also twice as long as their bodies. They can be found on ponds and slow streams which have little to no current and a calm surface. Striders eat other bugs and aquatic plants.On average, a water strider will be between eight and 12 millimeters long.
- The Water Scorpion is an aggressive, carnivorous bug found in lakes and ponds. They tend to be dark brown and may resemble a dead leaf floating. Most have three pairs of wings for flying, and another two pairs which they use for swimming. They were given the name scorpion because their forelimbs resemble pincers and are used for grasping their prey. Like other water bugs, they cannot breath underwater and must go to the surface for oxygen. Scorpions prefer to ambush their prey, which include larvae, shrimp, nymphs and segmented worms. Water Scorpions are also capable of stinging.
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