Life Histories of Two Endangered Sea Skaters Halobates matsumurai Esaki and Asclepios shiranui (Esaki) (Hemiptera: Gerridae: Halobatinae)

摘要: Sea skaters Halobates matsumurai Esaki and Asclepios shiranui (Esaki) are among the few marine insects found in Japan. For past several decades, they have become rare most localities now been designated as endangered by government. In order to understand their adaptive strategies environment develop conservation measures, it is essential know life histories. We studied lifecycles Kujukushima Bay off north coast of Kyushu (Japan) where co-occurred small coves along jagged coast. They appeared more than one generation a year overwinter egg stage. Eggs H. were laid on natural sandstones man-made sandstone walls shore, mostly above average sea level. The eggs had very hard shells, presumably protect them from desiccation, solar radiation, wave action, especially during overwintering period.