Eastern Toe-Biter

Benacus griseus

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Nepomorpha
Superfamily: Nepoidea
Family: Belostomatidae
Subfamily: Lethocerinae
Genus: Benacus
Species: griseus

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.

Images

Benacus griseus ventral by Dan Johnson. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Buletinul Societatii de Sciinte din Bucuresci, România = Bulletin de la Société des sciences de Bucarest, Roumanie (1892-1911.) (20233747629) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Giant Waterbug by Rw6612. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Benacus griseus by John P. Friel. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Birds and nature (1900) (14775459133) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Summary

Benacus griseus, commonly known as the Eastern Toe-Biter, is a giant water bug found in eastern North America, notable for its size and predatory nature. It is recognized by its unique physical characteristics, setting it apart from related species.

Physical Characteristics

Adults reach lengths of 45–62 mm; distinguished by lack of a groove on its front femur, characterized by a wide hind tibia and black ventral stripes.

Identification Tips

Look for the lack of a groove on the front femur and the distinctive black ventral stripes.

Habitat

Found in ponds and other bodies of still, shallow water.

Distribution

From eastern Canada (Quebec, Manitoba) south to Florida and Texas, extending into Cuba and Honduras.

Diet

Predatory; feeds on small aquatic prey.

Ecosystem Role

Top aquatic predator within its habitat.

Evolution

The only species in the genus Benacus; formerly considered a subgenus of Lethocerus.

Similar Taxa

Lethocerus spp.