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Backswimmer Collection

The backswimmer, scientifically known as Notonecta glauca, is a fascinating aquatic insect commonly found in Europe during the month of August

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Animalia Aqvatilia et Cochiliata (Aqva): Plate LVII, c. 1575/1580. Creator: Joris Hoefnagel

Animalia Aqvatilia et Cochiliata (Aqva): Plate LVII, c. 1575/1580. Creator: Joris Hoefnagel
Animalia Aqvatilia et Cochiliata (Aqva): Plate LVII, c. 1575/1580

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Backswimmer (Notonecta glauca), resting at the water surface, Europe, August

Backswimmer (Notonecta glauca), resting at the water surface, Europe, August, controlled conditions

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Water boatman, water bug and toad bug

Water boatman, water bug and toad bug
Water boatman, Sigara striata (Corixa striata) 1, boatfly or backswimmer, Nononecta nivea 3, toad bug, Gelastocoris oculatus (Galgulus oculatus) 5, marbled giant water bug, Belostoma marmoratum 7

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Big-eyed beetle, backswimmer, darkling beetle

Big-eyed beetle, backswimmer, darkling beetle
Big-eyed beetle, Notiophilus biguttatus, backswimmer, Nononecta species, nummulite fossil, darkling beetle, Nyctelia species, bat fly, Nycteribia species

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Curtis British Entomology Plate 10

Curtis British Entomology Plate 10
Hemiptera: Notonecta maculata (Spotted Boatfly, Water Boatman, Backswimmer) [Plant: Myosoton aquaticum (Cerastium aquaticum, Marsh Mouse-ear)] Date: 1824-39

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Picture No. 11671518

Picture No. 11671518
Backswimmer underwater. Date:

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Common Backswimmer -Notonecta glauca-, ventral side

Common Backswimmer -Notonecta glauca-, ventral side

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Picture No. 10732455

Picture No. 10732455
Backswimmer / Water Boatman - feeding on hoverfly (Notonecter glauca) Date:

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Water Boatman (Notonecta sp. ) adult, hanging on underside of water surface

Water Boatman (Notonecta sp. ) adult, hanging on underside of water surface, Wat Tyler Country Park, Essex, England
Water Boatman (Notonecta sp.) adult, hanging on underside of water surface, Wat Tyler Country Park, Essex, England, July (photographed in specialist photography tank and subsequently returned to wild)

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Water Boatman - UK

Water Boatman - UK
DAC-1273 Water Boatman UK Notonecta glauca David Chapman Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Water Boatman - migrating over land - UK

Water Boatman - migrating over land - UK
SPH-1309 Water BOATMAN / Backswimmer - Migrating over land UK Notonecta glauca Steve Hopkin contact details: prints@ardea.com tel: +44 (0) 20 8318 1401

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Common Water Boatman (Notonecta glauca) adult, resting on submerged stem, Derbyshire, England, july

Common Water Boatman (Notonecta glauca) adult, resting on submerged stem, Derbyshire, England, july

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Backswimmer - in pool

Backswimmer - in pool
ME-2275 Backswimmer - in pool Notonectidae sp. Johan De Meester Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Lesser Water Boatman Family: Corixidae

Lesser Water Boatman Family: Corixidae
JD-1029 Lesser Water Boatman / Backswimmer Corixa sp. Family: Corixidae John Daniels Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Water Boatman

Water Boatman
JC-29 WATER BOATMAN / Backswimmer Notonecta glauca John Clegg Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Lesser Water-Boatman

Lesser Water-Boatman
JC-162 Lesser Water Boatman / Backswimmer Corixa punctata John Clegg Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Backswimmer floating on water surface from below

Backswimmer floating on water surface from below
BB-1340 Backswimmer / Water Boatman - floating on water surface from below Notonecter glauca Brian Bevan Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only

Background imageBackswimmer Collection: Backswimmer resting on waterplants back view

Backswimmer resting on waterplants back view
BB-1339 Backswimmer / Water Boatman - resting on waterplants back view Notonecter glauca Brian Bevan Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only


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The backswimmer, scientifically known as Notonecta glauca, is a fascinating aquatic insect commonly found in Europe during the month of August. This water-dwelling creature can be referred to by various names such as water boatman, water bug, and toad bug. Its distinctive features include big eyes that resemble those of a beetle or darkling beetle. In Curtis British Entomology Plate 10, we get a glimpse of this mesmerizing backswimmer resting effortlessly on the surface of the water. Picture No. 11671518 captures its serene presence in all its glory. Another captivating image (Picture No. 10732455) showcases the ventral side of the common backswimmer - Notonecta glauca - revealing intricate details that make it truly unique. At Wat Tyler Country Park in Essex, England, an adult Water Boatman (Notonecta sp. ) patiently waits just below the water's surface for prey to come within reach. In another remarkable display of adaptability, these insects can also be seen hanging on to the underside of the water's surface. These resilient creatures are not limited to their watery habitats alone; they have been observed migrating over land in certain instances across the UK. During July in Derbyshire, England, one might witness an adult Common Water Boatman (Notonecta glauca) gracefully skimming along at the surface of a body of water. Their ability to navigate both above and below makes them true masters of their environment. The backswimmers' presence serves as a reminder that even beneath tranquil waters lies a world teeming with life and wonders waiting to be explored and appreciated.