The ‘bugs’ are a diverse group of insects, consisting of both aquatic and terrestrial species. All bugs belong to the order of insects known as Hemiptera and one of their unifying characteristics is the nature of the mouthparts, which have evolved into a tubular structure called a rostrum. This allows these insects to suck up liquids – usually from the pierced tissues of plants but also, in some species, from the bodies of other animals. The different groups of bugs (within the order Hemiptera) are shown in the diagram below and most are now covered by recording schemes.

The waterbugs belong to the sub-order Heteroptera, together with a much larger number of terrestrial species. The species included in the Aquatic Heteroptera Recording Scheme belong to four groups; the pond skaters and related species (Gerromorpha), the water boatman and related species (Nepomorpha), the shore bugs (Leptopodomorpha) and small group of three species known as litter bugs (Dipsocoromorpha). For more details go to Waterbugs