Coastal BC Insects: Giant Water Bug
Giant Water Bug
Giant Water Bug |
Giant Water Bugs are common in the United States and Canada. They are found in among bottom vegetation in ponds and lakes. It is the region’s largest aquatic insect, up to 2 3/8” long and 1” wide (60mm x 25 mm). Flying, it has a wingspan of 4 1/8” (110 mm). When flying, they look a lot like bats. I wonder if that was what I saw the other night skimming over the water.
Giant Water Bugs eat fish, tadpoles and other insects. It has a large beak to pierce its prey and injects digestive juices. Once the innards are dissolved, the bug sucks the contents out, leaving a husk behind, not a pretty thought. And if you handle one, the bite is painful.
The two front legs are used for grasping prey. The four hind legs are fringed and designed for powerful swimming.
Females lay eggs in late spring and early fall. Nymphs hatch in two weeks, but few survive due to cannibalism and other aquatic predators. If disturbed, they may play dead or fight back with their beak and caustic saliva.
With a nickname of "Toe Biter," I got close enough to take some pictures from various angles but wasn’t tempted to get give it a touch. -- Margy
References: Bugs of British Columbia (Lone Pine Publishing, 2001) by John Acorn and Ian Sheldon and National Audubon Society Nature Guides: Wetlands (Alfred A. Knopf, 1997) by William A Niering
You got some great photos of the giant water bug Margie. I've seen two with a few days, both in different locations, and did post a photo of one on my site.
ReplyDeleteI was really surprised to see him on the dock at the cabin. Not sure why it came out in the open. - Margy
DeleteWell, a poor day if I don't learn something.
ReplyDeleteBack in my teacher days we called it lifelong learning. - Margy
DeleteNeat bug! I've only seen one once.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how rare they are, maybe it is that they have great camouflage. - Margy
DeleteGood photos! I've never seen one yet, though I've been looking.
ReplyDeleteThis was truly a chance encounter. - Margy
DeleteHello , what a neat bug. I do not believe I have seen one. I am so sorry I am late visiting and commenting. Thanks so much for linking up ! Have a great week ahead!
ReplyDeleteNo worries, you are such a faithful reader. - Margy
DeleteGoodness the size of him, that's something you can keep in Canada! Xxxx
ReplyDeleteWhen I got the one back in high school I assumed they were a tropical insect. Boy was I wrong. - Margy
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