Habitat
Adults: aquatic
Immatures: aquatic

Feeding Habits
Adults: predaceous
Immatures: predaceous

North American
Species: 12

Hemiptera Nepidae
Water scorpions

Special Characteristics: Water scorpions have raptorial front legs and the middle and hind legs are adapted for walking around aquatic vegetation rather than swimming. There is a long breathing tube, almost as long as the body, projecting from the end of the abdomen. Species in the genus Ranatra are slender with very long legs and look like walking sticks. Species of Nepa look like small giant water bugs (Belostomatidae) except for the breathing tube.

Comments: Water scorpions are predaceous, feeding on small aquatic animals which are captured with the front legs. They hold on to submerged vegetation and extend their breathing tube up to the surface. They can inflict a painful bite if handled.

Species:
Ranatra fusca Palisot de Beauvois

Common Name:

Distribution:

Comments:
This species is commonly found just under the surface in areas where there is a lot of vegetation floating in a pond. Like many of the aquatic Hemiptera, they can give a painful bite if they are handled carelessly.