In order to integrate the knowledge of aquatic bugs of Panama, we have reviewed the taxonomic literature (from 1880-june 2015) that included descriptions of both adults and nymphs. We also reviewed the material deposited in the Zoological Collection Eustorgio Dr. Mendez (CoZEM) the Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies (ICGES) Panama. 145 species of freshwater Heteroptera were recorded, with 47 of these have type locality; there were 47 genera distributed among 14 families. Fourteen the main collecting of this group took place in two stages, in the twentieth century: 1900 and 1950. It has information about this group in 26 of the 52 basins in the country and 87.4 % of the species. We have in rivers of the provinces of Panama and Chiriqui. Thirty-five of these genera show a wide distribution in basins of both coasts.