These aquatic predatory insects in the Notonecta genus feed on other insects and tadpoles, but they’re capable of delivering a painful “bite” to humans if provoked. In this (very) ephemeral pond in a meadow there were hundreds of them flying into and out of the pool. They choose a belly-up orientation while swimming around but flip over at the water’s surface in order to take flight. (Click image for larger versions)
2021-11-04