Descriptions of the immature stages of Microvelia pulchella Westwood, 1834 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Gerridae)

Microvelia Westwood, 1834 (Gerromorpha: Gerridae: Microveliinae) is a widespread genus of semiaquatic bugs with more than 100 species recorded from the Neotropical Region. Microvelia pulchella Westwood, 1834 is the type species of the genus and one of the most common throughout the American continents, ranging from Canada to Argentina. Although its life cycle has been studied repeatedly, the immature stages have not been described.

Here, we provide descriptions, measurements, and illustrations of eggs and four nymphal instars of this species based on specimens collected and reared in southeastern Brazil.