2006-08-29 01:13:58 · 10 answers · asked by wgwi 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
No, a backswimmer is a type of bug. Some hair but no scales.
2006-08-29 01:19:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
The thing we call a backswimmer here in Florida is actually a beetle. So, no they are not covered with scales, but they do have a chitinous shell that covers their back. As with insects, they have three body parts; and as with most beetles they have a hard shell like covering underneath which is a set of wings. Most of these beetles can fly as well as swim. If you look at them very closely, you can see tiny hairs that cover the ventral side of the beetle. These hairs trap air which the backswimmer breathes from while under water.
They are found all over the world. They are fun to watch and come in all sizes. Just be careful if you decide to pick them up. The larger ones can give a quite painful nip. I know that from experience!
You can search the web to find some good pics.
2006-08-29 01:31:08 · answer #2 · answered by Craig S 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Craig S was close. The true backswimmer is not a beetle, but a true bug, Order Hemiptera, they belong to the family Notonectidae. The backswimmers are not covered in scales, like all other insects they have a hard exoskeleton which is made of chitin. They also have what are called hydropneust hairs that form a matrix on the underside of the body which can trap air on the ventral surface and keep it in contact with the spiracles (orifices on the abdomen which take in air).
A very close relative of the backswimmers are the water boatmen, Famile Corixidae, the big difference between the two is that backswimmers will swim upside down, and boatmen swim right side up.
Here are some images:
Backswimmer (Notonectidae)
http://bugguide.net/node/view/16531
boatman (Corixidae):
http://bugguide.net/node/view/48507
I hope this answers your question!
2006-08-29 02:11:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No it is not covered with scales.
'Backswimmer' is an aquatic insect (class insecta) . It looks very much like a cockroach but much smaller in size.(15 mm in length)
It has a peculiar habit of swimming on its back hence the name.
Like all other insects, the body of this insect is covered with an exoskeleton of chitin and there are no scales whatsoever.
There are two common species
1) Notonecta glauca, 2) Notonecta maculata
All backswimmers are predators and capture smaller aquatic animals for food.
2006-08-29 06:00:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
if its a fish then yes all fish have scales and crustations are slimy and so are amphibiens
2006-08-29 01:18:06 · answer #5 · answered by Chesh » 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
if fish yes if not most likely no
2006-08-29 01:19:33 · answer #6 · answered by Ariey 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, not underneath, they have skin underneath.
2006-08-29 01:19:41 · answer #7 · answered by aussie3 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backswimmer
No, it's a bug.
2006-08-29 01:19:30 · answer #8 · answered by cirestan 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't know for sure.
2006-08-29 01:18:49 · answer #9 · answered by Keira 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, i guess
2006-08-29 01:18:26 · answer #10 · answered by bestfootballer 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋