Family: Belostomatidae, Giant Water Bugs view all from this family

Description The Giant Water Bug is a member of the family Belostomatidae. The largest true bugs, these common brown insects are 1-2 3/8" (25-60 mm). Their flattened hind legs are used for swimming. The fore legs grasp prey while the insect thrusts its powerful, sucking beak into a victim. To obtain air, giant water bugs raise the tip of the abdomen to the water surface and extend 2 tail-like breathing tubes. The larger species lay their eggs on water plants, whereas in the smaller species large batches of eggs are cemented to the back of the males, who carry them about and aerate them until they hatch.

Warning May bite.