waterboatman

Pond-dwelling water bug

A waterboatman is a small aquatic insect that swims on its back just below the water's surface, using its long hind legs like oars.

These bugs are common in ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams, where they feed on algae and plant matter.

The name comes from their distinctive rowing motion through the water.

In British usage, waterboatman sometimes refers to the related backswimmer, though technically these are different insects.

aquatic

pond

Small still body

streamSteady continuous flow
lakeEnclosed body of freshwater
wetlandWaterlogged land ecosystem

freshwater · surface · underwater · diving · swimming · buoyancy · ripples · algae · aquatic plants · habitat

song

stridulation

Friction-produced insect sound

chirpingHigh repeated animal calls
courtshipSeeking another's romantic favor
acousticRelating to sound

communication · vibration · frequency · soundwave · resonance · amplitude · mating call · friction · forelegs

insect

backswimmer

Bug that swims inverted

arthropodJointed-limb invertebrate phylum
exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
nymphNature spirit or larva

antennae · metamorphosis · invertebrate · entomology · species · waterbug · larvae

rowing

oars

Bladed poles for boats

scullLightweight racing rowboat
strokeSudden brain blood blockage
scullingDouble-oar rowing technique

paddle · sweep · catch · drive · finish · recovery · boathouse · regatta · crew · shell

Opposites

aquatic locomotion position

waterboatmanwater strider

Insect walking on liquid surfaces

pond skater · bottom dweller · backswimmer

aquatic vs. terrestrial insects

waterboatmangrasshopper

Jumping insect, long legs

beetle · ant · fly · cricket

Family

water, boat, man, waters, watered, watering, waterway, waterfall, waterproof

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G