VU

Pondweed Bug

Mesovelia furcata

Unknown

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Pondweed Bug faces severe habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and urban development that pollutes its freshwater pond environments. Eutrophication from nutrient loading alters water chemistry and reduces oxygen levels, while invasive aquatic plants disrupt the delicate surface tension dynamics this semi-aquatic insect depends on for locomotion and feeding. Climate-driven changes in precipitation patterns threaten the seasonal water level fluctuations essential for its reproductive cycle.

Threat summary

Habitat

Mesovelia furcata inhabits shallow freshwater ponds, slow-moving streams, and marshy areas with abundant aquatic vegetation, particularly those supporting pondweed species. This semi-aquatic bug requires clean water with stable surface tension for skating across the water surface while hunting small invertebrates.

Threatened in Åland Islands

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
EN

knopphodeedderkopp

Walckenaeria nodosa

Unknown
EN

Dolichopus notatus

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Pondweed Bug classified as Vulnerable?
Pondweed Bug is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Pondweed Bug faces severe habitat degradation from agricultural runoff and urban development that pollutes its freshwater pond environments. Eutrophication from nutrient loading alters water chemistry and reduces oxygen levels, while invasive aquatic plants disrupt the delicate surface tension dynamics this semi-aquatic insect depends on for locomotion and feeding. Climate-driven changes in precipitation patterns threaten the seasonal water level fluctuations essential for its reproductive cycle.
Where does Pondweed Bug live?
Pondweed Bug occurs in Åland Islands, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Denmark (plus 21 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Pondweed Bug?
The main threats to Pondweed Bug are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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