While the Water Boatman swims right side up, the Back Swimmer swims upside down. The animal has a keeled back and paddle like legs, the hind legs , like those of the Water Boatman are longest. They come to the surface to rest and replenish their air supply by sticking the tip of their abdomen out of the water. They also hold air next to their bodies giving them a silvery look. Back Swimmers are vicious predators and eat animals much larger than themselves with their toxic saliva they can deliver a painful bite.
Nymphs are similar to adults and molt into their wings.
The Giant Water Bug is the largest of the True Bugs, reaching up to 4 inches in length. In addition to living in the water they can also fly and are attracted to lights. These animals are distributed throughout North and South America, South Africa, Australia and India. There are about 25 species in North America. Giant Water Bugs are highly predatory animals feeding on other insects, tadpoles and small fish.