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Classification
Backswimmers belong to the genus Notonecta, family Notonectidae in suborder Heteroptera, order Hemiptera (true bugs), class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda.
Females have a sharp ovipositor to pierce the stems of aquatic plants. In each notch one egg is laid; each female lays a total of approximately 60 eggs over a period of a few weeks. Backswimmers fly readily from pond to pond.
The prophet Muhammad is said to have used a green banner. Past variants of the flag show two crossed swords. Effective date: 15 March 1973.
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