Small aquatic and ripicolous bugs (Heteroptera : Nepomorpha) as predators and prey: The question of economic importance

Some features of the biology and feeding relationships of small waterbugs ( Notonectidae, Corixidae, Pleidae, Helotrephidae, Aphelocheiridae) and ripic olous bugs (Gelastocoridae, Ochteridae) are reviewed. Individual families a re discussed as predators or as prey of other animals. Special attention is given to characteristics and relationships that affect human beings direct ly or indirectly. The most important relationships from the economic point of view are: bugs and blood-sucking Diptera, bugs and fish, bugs and some e ndangered or protected amphibians and water birds. OF less importance is th e occasional use of some aquatic bugs as saprobity bioindicators. It seems that the economic importance of these bugs has been underestimated.