h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I no have a fair few very tiny backswimmers in my pond. (Thank goodness it rained a fair amount on thursday..but much more is needed).

Last autumn a large backswimmer appeared in the pond; she stayed all through the winter..even when it froze for several weeks..as soon as it thawed she was up on the surface again.

I say she because a lot of babies have now appeared.

These creatures row around on their backs. Waterboatmen row on their fronts..I don't seem to have them.

But backswimmers can row like lightening. The big one has disappeared. They are able to fly as well.

They are very scary predators. I watch then darting at stuff..and often at each other..I think canibalsim is a strong possibility with them

When they come to the surface they take in air and make a tiny bubble of it to carry down when they submerge..which they often do. That's the theory. But I don't see it. Yes I need magnification..but for now I'm just happy to watch their funny antics. They are like bumper cars.

I love 'em