Anisops sardeus (Heteroptera): A new expansive species in Central Europe

Abstract

Although insects form a large part of the aquatic fauna worldwide, expansive species of aquatic insects are quite rare. Recently, we can observe a tendency to the range expansions in several aquatic insect species. Here, we present the first record of water bug species Anisops sardeus sardeus (Heteroptera: Notonectidae) from Slovakia. This is the northernmost record of this small-bodied backswimmer which is native to Sahelo-Sindian area, extending to Mediterranean. However, the species shows recent range expansion northward in Europe. We document the current distribution of A. s. sardeus in Slovakia and Europe, and discuss the drivers of expansion and possible impact of the alien species on resident fauna.

From water striders to water bugs: the molecular diversity of aquatic Heteroptera (Gerromorpha, Nepomorpha) of Germany based on DNA barcodes

“…Our library included various morphological similar taxa, e.g., species of the genera Sigara Fabricius, 1775 and Notonecta Linnaeus, 1758 as well as water striders of the genus Gerris Fabricius, 1794 from different localities in Germany. In addition to this we added various specimens from other European countries for comparison, e.g., specimens of the expansive small-bodied backswimmer Anisops sardeus Herrich-Schaeffer, 1849 ( Soós et al, 2010 ; Berchi, 2011 ; Klementová & Svitok, 2014 ).…”

Unravelling the environmental correlates influencing the seasonal biodiversity of aquatic Heteropteran assemblages in northern Africa

“…Rabitsch (2008) referred to the process as Mediterranization, given that five new species including Micronecta scholtzi (Corixidae), Microvelia buenoi (Veliidae), Microvelia pygmaea (Veliidae), Notonecta meridionalis (Notonectidae), Velia currens (Veliidae) were recorded in Central Europe as their geographical range expanded from their native Mediterranean region. Similarly, Klementová and Svitok (2014) demonstrated that Anisops sardeus (Notonectidae), native to the Sahelo-Sindian area, was actively expanding its geographical range from the Mediterranean and is now expanding its distribution in Central Europe.…”

Insecticidal Activity of Eucalyptus Sp. Volatile Oil Against Backswimmer Insect Anisops Sardea

“…Laboratory based predatory experiments have exposed that A. sardea have a high predation rate on larval Culex mosquitoes (41, 43). The species can be distinguished by a shorter, slender, and laterally slightly depressed body with total size (7.2-8.4 mm) (8,21,40 10,11,17,18,20,22,28,33,34,39). Plant materials with pesticide properties have traditionally been used around the world without the emergence of resistant species, plant pesticides, when compared with industrial pesticides, are safer for the environment and are generally less expensive and easy to manufacture and use (38,14), so the need to use essential oils (volatile oils) was an alternative to control many field and house insects pests (35,36,37).…”