Rank Family | Scientific name Gelastocoridae Higher classification Ochteroidea Order True bugs | |
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Similar True bugs, Ochteridae, Insect, Naucoridae, Pleidae | ||
The Gelastocoridae (toad bugs) is a family of about 100 species of insects in the suborder Heteroptera. They are reminiscent of toads both in the warty appearance and hopping movements of some species.
Contents
Biology
Gelastocoridae are riparian insects, generally found at the margins of streams and ponds, where they are predators of small insects. Gelastocoridae catch their prey by leaping on top of them and grasping them with their modified front legs. Members of the family are found throughout the world, but their highest diversity is in the tropics.
Nymphs of many species cover themselves with a layer of sand grains. Apart from the no doubt considerable physical protection that the armour affords them, the layer of sand renders them effectively invisible on the ground unless they move at the wrong moment.
Diagnostic Characteristics
Gelastocoridae are short (6-15mm long) and stout, with large protuberant eyes and cryptic coloration. Like other Heteroptera, they have hemelytra for their forewings and piercing-sucking mouthparts. Their antennae are hidden.
