Habitat
Adults: aquatic
Immatures: aquatic

Feeding Habits
Adults: predaceous
Immatures: predaceous

North American
Species: 19

Hemiptera Belostomatidae
Giant water bugs

Special Characteristics: Belostomatidae are the largest bugs of the order Hemiptera and among the largest insects in North America. They are elongate, oval and somewhat flattened. The front legs are raptorial to catch their prey, while the hind legs are flattened and used in swimming.

Comments: The adults and larvae are predaceous, and feed on other insects, snails, tadpoles and small fish. They are sometimes called electric light bugs because they are attracted to lights, and they frequently leave the water and fly. The can inflict a painful bite if handled carelessly. In some species, the males carry the eggs on their backs until they hatch. In other species the eggs are attached to aquatic vegetation.

Species:
Lethocerus americanus (Leidy)

Common Name:
Giant water bug

Distribution:
Widespread in Canada

Comments:
This is the largest belostomatid in Canada, reaching up to 65 mm in length. It is attracted to electirc lights at night and is often found stranded on roadways and parking lots.