Gerridae distribution status.

[Andrew C]

Hello,

I spent some time keying out a member of the Gerridae that lead to a male Gerris odontogaster. The ventral teeth on each side of the seventh abdominal segments back this up. I am a bit wary as the NBN map shows only one square for Devon and the Savage key says it is 'occasional' for the South West.

So, I want to ask if there are any other male Gerridae species with the two teeth under on the underside of the abdomen?

Regards,
Andrew.

[Jason Green]

Do you have a photo?

[Matt Smith]

G.odontogaster is the only one like that as far as I know. You might want to sent the record to the Aquatic Hemiptera recording scheme.

[Andrew C]

Thanks Matt for confirming my identification. I shall get in touch with the recording scheme.

I shall try to get a photo up by tomorrow, Jason.

Regards,
Andrew.

[Andrew C]

Morning,

I have taken two images with one close up of the abdominal teeth. Does this confirm my ID?

Regards,
Andrew.

[Matt Smith]

Looks good to me - nice pair of tubercles in the right place.

[Andrew C]

Briliant, thanks Matt.

I presume I am right in thinking this record goes to Sheila Brooke via Hetnews? That is the best I can find via Google.

I think I will go back on the canal to find more and assess it's frequency.

Regards,
Andrew.

[tristanba]

Yes, all records still to Sheila although someone else is taking over this recording scheme very shortly

[Andrew C]

Thanks Tristan. Will do that now.