Back swimmer is a frequently used term to describe the small, oval-shaped water bugs that are known for swimming on their backs. However, there are many other synonyms for this bug. Some other common names for back swimmers include water bees, fingernail clams, water boatmen, and water skaters. Each of these synonyms references either the bug's aquatic nature or its unique swimming style. Water boatmen, for example, refers to the way these bugs glide across the water like a small boat. Fingernail clams references the shape of the bug's shell, while water bees and water skaters both reference the bug's ability to move quickly across the water's surface.