Ecofaunistic Study and Egg Morphology: Egg Laying Behavior of Hydrometra stagnorum (Linnaeus, 1753) (Gerromorpha: Heteroptera) Newly Recorded From the Karabük Province of Western Black Sea (Türkiye)

Abstract

This study examines the egg-laying behavior and egg morphology of Hydrometra stagnorum (Linnaeus, 1753) (Gerromorpha: Heteroptera) to provide ecofaunistic information about the species. Newly recorded H. stagnorum samples were collected from the Karabük province of Western Black Sea region of Türkiye. Physicochemical parameters of the water were also recorded. The morphology and egg-laying behavior of H. stagnorum eggs were identified using a stereo, light and electron microscopy. Mature eggs were observed to be blackish dark brown in color. The study reveals distinctive characteristics of the egg structure and micropyle areas, which may contribute to the classification of the species at the subfamily level. Additionally, it was found that H. stagnorum inhabits high-quality waters.