Water scorpions

Also called Ranatra, Nepids, Walking stick water bugs

How to identify Water scorpions

• Very long, thin brown body about 1 to 2 inches, like a floating twig
• Front legs folded like a praying mantis for grabbing prey
• Long, paired breathing tube at the tail, as long as the body
• Moves slowly among plants; poor swimmer

Similar species

Floating twigs and land walking sticks that fall in look similar but lack the folded grabbing front legs. Giant water bugs are broad and flat with short tail straps. Water striders stay on top of the surface.

Profile

Why it matters in a lake

Ambush predators of insects, tadpoles and small fish. They can give a painful bite if handled.

Where it is found

• Idaho: Rare
• Oregon: Occasional
• Wyoming: Rare

Classification