Hemipterans live in nearly all kinds of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, from the seashore to high mountain peaks. Aquatic species live in fresh and brackish waters. They swim through the open water, crawl over the bottom or on plants, or skate across the surface. Sea skaters are the only truly marine insects and live their entire lives among mats of floating algae (AL-jee) on the surface of the ocean. Most hemipterans are terrestrial and are found on all parts of living plants. Some species live under the bark of dead trees. Others are found along the shores of ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. Some species occur only in caves, spider webs, or animal nests, including those of other insects. Was this article helpful?