velvety shore bug

velvety shore bug, any insect of the family Ochteridae (order Heteroptera), which numbers about 25 species. These insects resemble tiny toads, are about 4 or 5 mm (almost 0.2 inch) long, and live among plants near streams and ponds. As indicated by their common name, the body surface is smooth and velvetlike. The front legs are slender and are developed for running.