Order Hemiptera - Family Naucoridae - The Creeping Water Bugs
Distinguishing characteristics - The creeping water bugs have a body shape that makes them look like a small version of the Belostomatidae (Fig A). They have raptorial forelegs for catching and holding their prey (Fig B). Their antennae, which are small and sometimes hard to find, are located under the eye (Fig C). Like the giant water bugs they have a 3-4 segmented cylindrical beak (Fig D). However, the air straps that are at the apex of the abdomen of giant water bugs are lacking in the creeping water bugs (Fig E).
Genus Ambrysus: Only one genus of Naucoridae is found in North Dakota, Ambrysus. Ambrysus is found mostly in the western United States in quiet waters, usually clear streams and ditches. Many are more often found hiding around gravel areas in riffled areas.