Ranatra

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ranatra: /ræˈneɪtrə/

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

Images

Summary

Ranatra is a genus of predatory insects in the family Nepidae, commonly known as water scorpions or water stick-insects. They are characterized by their long and slender bodies and are found in a variety of aquatic habitats worldwide. They use their strong front legs to catch prey and have a specialized siphon for breathing.

Physical Characteristics

Long and slender body, typically 2–6 cm in length, with a long tail-like siphon for breathing. Brown coloration is common. Wings are present, allowing for flight.

Identification Tips

Look for their elongated body, strong front legs that are used for grasping prey, and the distinctive siphon at the rear, which is used for respiration.

Habitat

Freshwater habitats including stagnant or slow-moving water such as ponds, marshes, and canals; they are occasionally found in streams and hypersaline lakes.

Distribution

Primarily found in North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and parts of the Palearctic, with some species widespread in eastern U.S. and Canada. R. fusca is transcontinental in Canada and most of the U.S.

Diet

Predominantly feeds on other insects, tadpoles, and small fish, utilizing a proboscis to inject saliva for predation.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid on plants just below the water surface, or in mud, taking about two to four weeks to hatch; young take approximately two months to mature.

Reproduction

Often lays eggs on submerged vegetation; reproductive activity can occur year-round except during extreme cold.

Ecosystem Role

Predatory insects that help control populations of other aquatic organisms, serving as both predators and prey in the aquatic ecosystem.

Collecting Methods

• Netting from aquatic environments
• Visual spotting and hand collection

Preservation Methods

• Alcohol preservation
• Pinning for museum specimens

Similar Taxa

• Nepidae
• Cercotmetus
• Austronepa
• Goondnomdanepa

Misconceptions

Often referred to as scorpions due to their appearance, they are not related to scorpions but are insects classified under true bugs.

Tags

• insects
• aquatic
• predators
• Hemiptera
• Nepidae