Giant Water Bug
The Giant Water Bug (Lethocerus americanus), as its name suggests, is quite large (2 to 4 inches long), and aquatic. It is the largest member of the order Hemiptera (“true” bugs) in the US and Canada. These formidable bugs are also known by other common names, including Belostomatids (they belong to the insect family Belostomatidae), Water Roaches, Toe-biters (they can inflict a painful bite), and Electric-light bugs (the adults can fly and are attracted to lights at night so they are often found in parking lots and near other bright lights such as porch lights).
Additional Photos (adult Giant Water Bug):
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- Giant Water Bug (“Toe-biter”)
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- Giant Water Bug (“Toe-biter”)
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- Giant Water Bug (“Toe-biter”)
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- Giant Water Bug (“Toe-biter”)
Additional Information:
- Giant Water Bug (Texas A&M)
- Giant Water Bugs (University of Kentucky)