Native to Africa and Southeast Asia, the giant water flea was first discovered in Texas in 1990.  It was discovered in south-central Nebraska in 2002.

The giant water flea is thought to have been introduced through the aquarium trade.

Its resistant eggs have allowed the giant water flea to spread on the feet of ducks and other water birds and by wind when ponds dry.

Adults have likely been introduced from baitbuckets or from bilge-water of recreational and commercial watercraft.

Inter-connected rivers and lakes also help spread this exotic species.