Giant water bugs
Belostomatidae · Aquatic life
Photo: jmmaes / CC BY-SA
Also called Lethocerus, Toe biters, Waterbugs, Belostoma, Electric light bugs
How to identify Giant water bugs
- Large, flat, oval brown bugs from about 3/4 inch to over 2 inches
- Thick, grasping front legs like pincers
- Short pointed beak under the head
- Two short breathing straps at the tail end
- Male Belostoma carry eggs glued on their backs
Similar species
Water scorpions have long, thin bodies and a long breathing tail. Predaceous diving beetles are smooth and hard shelled with chewing jaws rather than a beak.
Profile
| Season | Active spring through fall; adults overwinter. |
|---|---|
| Starts | Most active when water is above about 60 F |
| Light | Adults are drawn to lights at night |
| Depth | Shallow plant beds |
| How it spreads or reproduces | Adults fly between waters |
| Habitat | Shallow, plant filled ponds, marshes and slow water; adults often found near lights. |
Why it matters in a lake
Large predators that eat insects, tadpoles, small fish and frogs. They can give a very painful bite if stepped on or handled, which is where the name toe biter comes from, but they are not dangerous.
Where it is found
- Idaho: Occasional
- Oregon: Occasional
- Wyoming: Occasional
Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Hemiptera |
| Family | Belostomatidae |
| Scientific name | Belostomatidae |
Midge larvae (bloodworms)
Mosquito larvae
Dragonfly nymphs
Damselfly nymphs
Water boatmen
Backswimmers
Predaceous diving beetles
Water striders
Mayfly nymphs
Caddisfly larvaeNeed a hand?
Found it in your lake?
Send us a photo and we will identify it and tell you what it means for your lake.
Idaho / Wyoming (208) 501-4531Oregon (541) 280-0596