Zoology Collection - Giant Water Bug

A Fierce Predator

Though it can fly, Nova Scotia’s largest aquatic insect (Lethocerus americanus) spends most of its time at the bottom of murky ponds, where its brown colour provides perfect camouflage. The Giant Water Bug feeds by sucking out the bodily fluids of its live prey, including small fish and amphibians. It will even bite people if handled – and although not poisonous, its bite is among the most painful inflicted by any insect. You can sometimes see Giant Water Bugs airborne in parking lots, sports fields, etc., where they are attracted to the ultraviolet rays in fluorescent and mercury vapour lights.