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Water Bug (Giant)

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Lethocerus americanus
Water Bug (Giant)

Range

They are found in North America, South Africa and India. There are more than 100 different kinds.

Habitat

They live in ponds.

Body Traits

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.

Habits

They may play dead, but they can give a painful bite.

Diet

Feed on small fish, frogs, tadpoles and insects.

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School subscriptions can access more than 175 downloadable unit bundles in our store for free (a value of $1,500).

District subscriptions provide huge group discounts for their schools. Email for a quote: sheri@exploringnature.org.

Reproduction

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.

Water Bug (Giant)

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Belostomatidae
Genus: Lethocerus
Species: L. americanus

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