Common blackswimmer

Common blackswimmer

Common species. Dwells in different bodies of water, usually in stagnant or slow-flowing waters rich in aquatic plants. It has normally developed wings and the bug can fly easily from one water body to another. The abdomen is covered with long hairs, which serve to accumulate atmospheric air bubbles, which are used for breathing while staying under water for a long time. Common backswimmer can stay under water for up to 10 minutes. Usually, it stays close to the water surface and dive into depth only if disturbed. It is a predatory species, most commonly attacking mosquito larvae and various small crustaceans, this species is considered to be harmful for pond management, because it also attacks juvenile fish. Only adult bugs hibernate. The bite is quite noticeable to humans, but not dangerous.