ABSTRACT
The family Macroveliidae, erected for the genus Macrovelia Uhler originally described in the family Veliidae, differs from the true water striders in having the tarsal claws inserted apically, rather than subapically, on the last tarsal segment. With few exceptions the family status has been accepted since its proposal. Members frequent damp habitats, usually along moving waters. Although capable of walking on the surface of open water, they apparently seldom venture from protective vegetation. They are carnivores or scavengers feeding on the body fluids of other arthropods, mostly insects. Polhemus and Chapman reported that in aquaria eggs were glued to moss on exposed rocks.
