The ecology of the aquatic Hemiptera is much better known, and it is probable that they are limnologically more significant than the beetles. A Treatise on Limnology. IV, The Zoobenthos.
Most hemipterans are either lentic or slow water lotic forms.
They are all air breathers and as such are more tolerant of environmental extremes than most other insects. The water boatman, Hesperocorixa , and the water strider, Gerris , are among the few insects that can tolerate pH values less than 4.5 and are among the last to disappear when lakes and streams acidify. Of all aquatic organisms, the giant water bug, Belostoma fluminea , is considered by many to be among the most tolerant of extreme conditions, high chloride, high BOD, low oxygen, low pH, etc. However, it like all hemipterans, has little or no indicator value because their life does not depend entirely on water quality. Applied Aquatic Ecosystem Concepts.