They are found in North America, South Africa and India. There are more than 100 different kinds.
They live in ponds.
They have a large, long, brown, oval body. They can reach 4 inches long. They have a flattened shape. They have large front legs to catch prey. Their hind legs are flattened for swimming.
They may play dead, but they can give a painful bite.
Feed on small fish, frogs, tadpoles and insects.
After mating, the female lays up to 150 eggs on the male's back. He takes care of them, taking them up to air for the next 3 weeks until they hatch.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Belostomatidae
Genus: Lethocerus
Species: L. americanus
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Amsel, Sheri. "Water Bug (Giant)" Exploring Nature Educational Resource ©2005-2024. March 26, 2024
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