Family: Veliidae

Broad-shouldered Water Striders

These photos supplement pages 97-103 of the Guide to Aquatic Invertebrates of the Upper Midwest. Information on the biology of Veliidae can be found on page 103. Veliidae can be confused with Gerridae and Mesoveliidae. Veliidae can be distinguished by how the claws on the forelegs insert before the apex and that their hind femurs are not longer than their abdomen.

 

Veliidae

 

Veliidae antennae

 

Gerridae tarsi

 

Gerridae hindlegs