#nerthra

There are at least 90 species of these predatory Gelastocorid bug, which are found on most continents, usually near water. Although some species here in SW Australia live near salt lakes, and are nearly white in colour, as opposed to the muddy camouflage of most. Nymphs will also cover themselves in sand for an even better match.

Gelastocoridae catch their prey - other small insects - by leaping and grasping them with their modified front legs.

The family has been around since at least the early Cretaceous, with fossils known from the remarkable Crato Formation of Brazil. The two living genera of Toad Bug have been around since the Late Cretaceous, and probably were just as surprised as everybody else when the Chicxulub impactor blasted everything to fuck.