dwergbootsmannetje
Plea minutissima
The dwergbootsmannetje (Plea minutissima) is one of Europe's smallest aquatic bugs, measuring only 1.5-2.
40
Countries
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Kutushev Radik, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Kutushev Radik
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera
Family
Pleidae
Genus
Plea
dwergbootsmannetje belongs to the family Pleidae, order Hemiptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The dwergbootsmannetje (Plea minutissima) is one of Europe's smallest aquatic bugs, measuring only 1.5-2.5mm in length with a distinctive boat-shaped body and pale yellowish-brown coloration. This tiny predator plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems by feeding on microscopic invertebrates and serving as prey for larger aquatic insects and small fish.
The dwergbootsmannetje faces increasing pressure from habitat degradation due to water pollution, eutrophication, and climate-induced changes to aquatic ecosystems. Its specialized requirements for clean, well-oxygenated freshwater environments make it particularly vulnerable to anthropogenic disturbances and water quality deterioration.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits clean, shallow freshwater environments including ponds, slow-flowing streams, ditches, and temporary pools with abundant aquatic vegetation. Requires well-oxygenated water bodies with minimal pollution and stable water levels for successful reproduction and development.
Threats
Agricultural runoff and pesticide contamination
Habitat fragmentation of freshwater systems
Water pollution and eutrophication
Climate change affecting water temperature and chemistry
Urban development and wetland drainage
Found in 40 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). dwergbootsmannetje (Plea minutissima). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/dwergbootsmannetje