Benacus griseus

(Say, 1832)

Eastern Toe-biter

Benacus griseus is a giant water bug and the sole in the Benacus, formerly treated as a subgenus of Lethocerus. reach 47–64 mm in length, ranking among the largest aquatic insects in eastern North America. The species is distinguished from other Lethocerinae by the absence of a groove on the front , a wide hind tibia, and black stripes. It has been subject to cytological study due to its favorable material for observing and chondriosome development.

Benacus griseus by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.Benacus griseus by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.Benacus griseus by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Benacus griseus: //bɛˈnaː.kʊs ˈɡriː.se.us//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from other Lethocerinae by the lack of a groove on the front . Additional diagnostic features include a wide hind tibia and black stripes. measure 47–64 mm in length.

Images

Distribution

Eastern North America, ranging from New England west through southern Ontario to Nebraska, south to Florida and Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico coast in Mexico, and into Cuba.

Similar Taxa

  • Lethocerus americanusFormerly classified in the same ; B. griseus separated by lack of front femoral groove, wide hind tibia, and black stripes. L. americanus has 8 spermatogonial versus 28 in B. griseus.

Sources and further reading