MESOVELIA

Aug. 25, 2019

Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India have discovered seven species of water treaders, semi-aquatic insects that can walk or run on the surface of water.

About: 

  • The newly described species belong to the genus Mesovelia whose size ranges from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm and are equipped with hydrophobic setae (bristles) on their legs. The combination of hydrophobic setae and water surface tension prevents them from sinking.

  • These bugs are hemimetabolous insects without having larval stage i.e., they go from egg to nymph to adult.

  • They are found on freshwater bodies such as ponds, lakes, pools, streams, rocks with moss and sometimes on estuaries.

  • There are 12 species of genus Mesovelia found in the country.

Mesovelia vs water striders:

  • Other than the size, there are morphological features that make these pond-weed insects different from water striders.

  • The claws of Mesovelia are placed apically (tip or extreme end of legs), whereas in water striders, they arise from the pre-apex (just before the tip) of legs.

Source : The Hindu