Hesperocorixa Sahlbergi (Corixidae) Under a Microscope

Hesperocorixa sahlbergi is a species of water boatman in the family Corixidae in the order Hemiptera. Corixidae are unusual among the aquatic Hemiptera in that they are mostly non-predatory, feeding on aquatic plants and algae instead of insects and other small animals. They use their straw-like mouthparts to inject enzymes into plants. The enzymes digest the plant material, letting the insect suck the liquified food back through its mouthparts and into its digestive tract. A few species will eat small invertebrates such as larvae of Nematocera, but the family is primarily herbivorous. Some species within this family are preyed upon by a number of amphibians including the rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa). The reproductive cycle of Corixidae is annual. Eggs are typically oviposited (deposited) on submerged plants, sticks, or rocks. In substrate limited waters (waters without many submerged oviposition sites), every bit of available substrate will be covered in eggs.