The Common Backswimmer is a small, boat-shaped aquatic bug that swims upside-down using its hind legs as oars, with a silvery air bubble on its belly. It is a fierce predator capable of subduing tadpoles and small fish. If handled it will bite sharply — surprising for such a small insect. It flies readily between ponds at night.
Best time to see a Common Backswimmer
The best time to see a Common Backswimmer is May–September, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 335 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Common Backswimmer? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Common Backswimmer sightings near you
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