Curicta pronotata

Kuitert, 1949

waterscorpion

Curicta pronotata is a waterscorpion in the Nepidae, found in mountain streams of Central and North America. It exhibits leaf-mimicking camouflage and defensive including and biting. are most frequently encountered during spring through fall.

Curicta pronotata by (c) Matthew Pintar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matthew Pintar. Used under a CC-BY license.Curicta pronotata MP AZ by Matthew Pintar. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Curicta pronotata close up MP AZ by Matthew Pintar. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Curicta pronotata: //kjuˈɹɪk.tə pɹə.noʊˈteɪ.tə//

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Identification

As a member of Curicta, this likely exhibits the -characteristic slender body form and long respiratory siphon typical of Nepidae. Specific diagnostic features distinguishing C. pronotata from are not documented in available sources.

Images

Habitat

Mountain streams with substrates allowing leaf-litter camouflage.

Distribution

Central America and North America.

Seasonality

most frequently encountered from spring through fall.

Diet

, as is characteristic of Nepidae.

Life Cycle

Females deposit on shorelines.

Behavior

Has been observed to blend with leaves for concealment. When discovered, exhibits (playing dead) and can deliver a powerful bite.

Ecological Role

in aquatic mountain stream .

Human Relevance

May bite if handled; defensive bite described as powerful.

Sources and further reading