#lethocerus

In my efforts to better appreciate all species, including the ones that scare me, I present Lethocerus! These can be found in slower moving bodies of water and have a very high pollution tolerance, ranging around 9/10 on the NCBI scale. They are carnivorous and catch prey with their "raptorial" arms (similar to mantises) and use their modified mouth pieces to dissolve and suck up their food. Their bites are extremely painful and have been known to bite humans out of defense if threatened, earning their nickname as "toe biters". They are also flying insects, and are very attracted to artificial lights!

photograph by Steph Shotton

Lethocerus sp. (americanus/uhleri) and Phylloscelis rubra

One of the largest “true bug” in the United States, the eastern toe-biter is an apex predator of the aquatic invertebrate world. Found in ponds, shallow pools, and even roadside ditches, this predator is a hunter of aquatic insects, snails, and even fish, catching them with their large front legs and piercing their bodies with a syringe-like mouth. The name “toe-biter” is very apt, as anyone might attest to swimming where the bugs are present. 

photograph by Steph Shotton

Scientists have identified a giant water bug, known as the toe-biter, along the shores of Cyprus. The species, previously unseen on the island, is causing concern among locals.

Back Hug - Taking a break from Toe biting… #Lethocerus #Blaptica #aquatic #bug #affection #backhug @bugsincyberspace (at Eastvale, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CR7-sVpryTh/?utm_medium=tumblr