Water boatman

Systematic position. Water boatmen belong to the family Corixidae, which is part of the order Hemiptera. These insects are typical representatives of aquatic entomofauna, adapted to living in standing or slow-moving water bodies, often colonizing irrigation canals and rice paddies.

Crops affected. The primary specialization of this pest is aquatic and semi-aquatic crops, particularly rice. In rice cultivation conditions, water boatmen can cause significant damage to young seedlings by attacking the delicate root tissues and the base of the stem while submerged, leading to stunted growth and reduced crop density.

Biology and life cycle. The life cycle of the water boatman is closely linked to the aquatic environment. Adults lay eggs on submerged parts of plants or other solid substrates. Development includes several nymphal stages that resemble adults but differ in smaller size and the lack of fully developed wings. Adults are capable of active flight, which allows them to migrate between water bodies.

Damage patterns and harmfulness. Although most water boatmen are considered detritivores or algivores, they can damage young tissues of cultivated plants at high population densities. The harmfulness is manifested through mechanical damage to the epidermis of roots and stems, which provides an entry point for secondary fungal and bacterial infections that weaken the plant.

Protection measures. Controlling the water boatman requires a comprehensive approach. Main measures include:

• Drying out paddies during critical phases of crop development, which disrupts the pest's life cycle.
• Maintaining clean irrigation systems and managing excessive aquatic vegetation.
• Using approved insecticides in cases of mass infestations, while ensuring the ecological safety of the aquatic ecosystem.