Taxonomic group
Corixidae: Diaprepocoris
Diagnostic features
Diaprepocoris bugs are similar in appearance to the common water boatman Sigara, having long hair-fringed hind legs designed for swimming, and having forelegs ending in a trowel-like segment. Unlike Sigara however, Diaprepocoris have two small dark spots (ocelli) between the large compound eyes.
![[Diaprepocoris]. Image: Stephen Moore Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/freshwater-invertebrates/diaprepocoris_gmontage_b_650_na__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)
![[Diaprepocoris]. Image: Stephen Moore Image](/assets/Tools-And-Resources/Identification/freshwater-invertebrates/diaprepocoris_northland_2007_70xmontage_b_650__ScaleWidthWzEwMjRd.jpg)
Typical habitats
Diaprepocoris can be common in ponds and lakes, including coastal lakes with tidal influence.
Feeding
It is likely that Diaprepocoris has a similar diet to the related Sigara, which feeds on algae and organic detritus.
Indicator value
- Hard bottom: 5
- Soft bottom: 4.7
The tolerance values (ranging from 0 to 10) give an indication of which are the sensitive taxa (values of 8 or more) and which are the tolerant taxa (values of 3 or less). For more information see: Indicator species
An abundance of Diaprepocoris is likely to be the result of pond-like habitat conditions (at the site or upstream) rather than any particular water quality condition. They have medium tolerance values of 5 (hard bottom sites) and 4.7 (soft bottom sites).