giant water bug sitting on a grey rock.

Giant Waterbug

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Bodies are oval shaped, they have large appendages to catch their prey along with piecing and sucking mouthparts.

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These large insects feed on small fish and a variety of insects.

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The other name you may know this insect by is toe-biter. They can deliver a painful bite, although it is a non-toxic.

Giant waterbugs do not have lungs. Oxygen is obtained through tiny holes called spiracles. These spiracles transport the oxygen to air filled tubes. When diving underwater they trap an air bubble under their wing.

More information about the giant water bug(opens in new tab)
giant waterbug on brown background

Top photo from NPSglacier

Bottom photo from https://www.nps.gov/articles/giant-water-bug.htm