Mesovelia mulsanti
| Mesovelia mulsanti | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Heteroptera |
| Family: | Mesoveliidae |
| Genus: | Mesovelia |
| Species: | M. mulsanti
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| Binomial name | |
| Mesovelia mulsanti White, 1879
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Mesovelia mulsanti, or Mulsant's water treader, is a species of water treader in the family Mesoveliidae 3-4 mm in size[2].
Distribution and habitat
The main range is from southern Canada to Texas, but it is also found in Central America[3], South America[3], the Caribbean[3] and Hawaii[4].
Mesovelia mulsanti inhabits a variety of freshwater environments, especially standing water with abundant floating vegetation such as duckweed and algae. It occurs in both shaded and unshaded areas.[4]
Behaviour
Life cycle
A study conducted from 1983 to 1986 in Union County, Illinois,[4] documented that M. mulsanti is typically trivoltine, producing three full generations per year, with a potential partial fourth generation in late autumn. The species overwinters exclusively as eggs; nymphs and adults do not survive freezing conditions.
In subtropical and tropical regions such as Florida and the Caribbean, M. mulsanti may reproduce year-round, often without entering diapause, due to the absence of cold periods.
Diet
Mesovelia mulsanti is a surface-dwelling predator, feeding on small invertebrates, primarily insects, found on or near the water surface. It may also prey on crustaceans that rise to the surface film.[4]
References
- ^ "Mesovelia mulsanti Report". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ "Mesovelia mulsanti species Information". BugGuide.net. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ a b c "Mesovelia mulsanti". GBIF. Retrieved 2025-08-07.
- ^ a b c d McPherson, J.E. (Spring 1988). "Life History of Mesovelia mulsanti (Hemiptera: Mesoveliidae) in Southern Illinois". "The Great Lakes Entomologist". 21 (1). Valparaiso University: 19–23. doi:10.22543/0090-0222.1627. Retrieved 2025-08-07.