Common name : Toe-biter
Scientific name : Belostomatidae
Family : Belostomatidae
Native to : Worldwide distribution
Interesting fact : In Asian cuisine, this insect is an extremely popular food.
While most of the species of giant water bugs are about 2 cm in length, the lethocerus genus of this species is at least 12 cm in length. Their habitat is comprised of freshwater streams and ponds. Predators by nature, they hunt and feed on snails, aquatic invertebrates, fish, amphibians, etc. When encountered by larger predators, like humans, they ‘play dead’. Eggs are laid by the female on vegetation. In some species the eggs are laid on the back of the male.
