Description: It is a small to medium-sized aquatic insect belonging to the family Corixidae, characterized by an oval, dorsoventrally flattened body that enables efficient movement through water. Its coloration is usually brownish, grayish, or yellowish, with fine patterns that enhance camouflage against the substrate. The hind legs are modified into paddle-like structures with swimming hairs, while the forelegs are adapted to scrape and handle food. It lacks piercing mouthparts, reflecting its non-predatory feeding habits.

Geographic distribution: This genus is widely distributed worldwide, with numerous species recorded in the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia. In South America, Sigara sp. is commonly found in continental freshwater environments from temperate to subtropical regions, showing a high ecological tolerance.

Habitat: It mainly inhabits lakes, ponds, pools, slow-flowing streams, and temporary water bodies, both natural and artificial. It prefers shallow waters with submerged or floating vegetation, which provide shelter and feeding sites. It tolerates variations in water quality, occupying environments with different levels of oxygenation and salinity.

Feeding: It follows a primarily herbivorous and detritivorous diet, feeding on algae, biofilm, plant debris, and microorganisms attached to submerged surfaces. By scraping these materials with its forelegs, it plays an important role in organic matter recycling and in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

Behavior: It exhibits predominantly aquatic habits and is an active swimmer, although it can also move by walking along the bottom. Some species within the genus are capable of flight and dispersal to new water bodies, especially when environmental conditions deteriorate. Activity may be observed both during the day and at night, closely linked to continuous foraging behavior.

Reproduction: Reproduction takes place in aquatic environments. Females perform oviposition, laying eggs attached to aquatic plants, stones, or other firm substrates. Development is hemimetabolous, with aquatic nymphs that share a lifestyle similar to adults, undergoing several molts before reaching maturity.

Conservation status: Sigara sp. is not considered globally threatened. Populations are generally common and stable; however, water pollution, wetland loss, and hydrological changes may locally impact its occurrence, emphasizing its value as an indicator of environmental quality.

Author of this compilation: EcoRegistros – 12/12/2025