Lethocerus

Classification

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lethocerus: /lɛˈθɒsərəs/

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

Images

Belostoma - London, Ontario 04 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Front raptorial legs of Belostomatidae (17736953814) by Insects Unlocked from USA. Used under a CC0 license.

American Giant Water Bug (Lethocerus americanus) - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan 02 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Lethocerus americanus by The High Fin Sperm Whale. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Lethocerus americanus23 by MyName (Big iron (talk)). Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Lethocerus medius in Tucson by Ericlyons. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Lethocerus is a genus of giant water bugs known for their significant size, predatory behavior, and occurrence in various water bodies globally. They are notable for their unique reproductive strategies and painful bites.

Physical Characteristics

Lethocerus species are among the largest true bugs, capable of reaching a length of over 12 centimeters (4.7 in). Most species typically range between 4.5 and 9 cm (1.8 and 3.5 in). They have two symmetrical furrows in the inner pad of setae on the fore femur and their external borders of parasternites II and III are narrowed and nearly straight.

Identification Tips

Distinguished from other genera in the subfamily Lethocerinae (Benacus and Kirkaldyia) by unique morphological features such as the two symmetrical furrows on the fore femur.

Habitat

Ponds and shallow margins of lakes containing submerged or emergent vegetation.

Distribution

Most species are found throughout North America, with total distribution in tropical, subtropical, and temperate areas of the world. Greatest diversity of species occurs in the Americas.

Diet

Predominantly carnivorous, feeding on any animal they can handle, including aquatic invertebrates, small fish, tadpoles, frogs, and small birds.

Life Cycle

The species undergoes a simple life cycle, comprising eggs, nymphs, and adults. Nymphs molt five times before becoming adults. They overwinter as adults found in the mud at the bottom of ponds or lake margins.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs near or in water on emergent vegetation, often in rows of brownish-gray eggs, with approximately 100 eggs in a group. Eggs hatch in about 2 weeks and are guarded by males.

Predators

Natural predators include birds, larger aquatic species, and other aquatic insects.

Ecosystem Role

Lethocerus species play a key role as predators in their aquatic ecosystems, helping to control populations of smaller aquatic organisms.

Economic Impact

Some species are consumed in Southeast Asia, and certain species may have economic significance for local fisheries.

Health Concerns

Bites from Lethocerus can be very painful, causing swelling and pulsating pain, although symptoms typically resolve within about five hours.

Evolution

The oldest known fossil of the genus is an indeterminate species from the Bembridge Marls, Isle of Wight, UK.

Similar Taxa

Benacus
Kirkaldyia

Misconceptions

Often referred to as "toe biters" due to their painful bite, leading to a fear of them despite their ecological benefits.