Giant Water Bug

Family Belostomatidae — the giant water bugs, also called toe-biters, electric-light bugs, and (in Florida) alligator ticks — contains about 170 species worldwide. The largest species, Lethocerus grandis (South America), reaches 12 cm; L. americanus (North America) reaches 6.5 cm. All are aquatic ambush predators that lurk in pond and stream vegetation, breathing through caudal siphon tubes that pierce the water surface. The forelegs are powerful raptorial graspers; the rostrum is a thick stylet that injects paralytic and digestive saliva. Prey includes fish, frogs, salamanders, snakes, and small turtles — animals far larger than the bug herself. Giant water bugs are also strong fliers: when ponds dry up, the adults fly long distances in search of new water and are strongly attracted to lights, which is the origin of the name 'electric-light bug.' The most extraordinary biology in the family is paternal care: in genus Belostoma, females glue eggs onto the male's back, and he carries them for 1-3 weeks, periodically aerating them by surfacing. He cannot mate again or feed comfortably during this period. The bite is severe — Schmidt Sting Pain Index reports it among the most painful bites of any North American insect, comparable to a wasp sting and longer-lasting (ache for hours).