Reproduction
Bealostoma flumineum exhibits unique behaviors in terms of reproduction. It is a dioecious organism which means the sexes are separate between male and females. The female lays eggs like most insects do. When ready, the female deposits the eggs on the back of the male. The male cares for the eggs until they hatch by cleaning and aerating them near the top of the water (Gilg and Kruse 2003). Belostoma flumineum is one of the few insects to show parental care toward its eggs. It is even regarded as having reversed the "sex roles" in which the female would normally care for the eggs.
Male Belostoma Flumineum brooding eggs on its back. Photography Credit: Al Denelsbeck