Ranatra nigra

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ranatra nigra: //rəˈneɪtrə ˈnɪɡrə//

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Summary

Ranatra nigra is a water scorpion, a predatory insect found in eastern North America's freshwater habitats. Known for its slender body and strong front legs, it plays a vital role in aquatic ecosystems as a predator.

Physical Characteristics

Adult body length is generally 30-32 mm excluding the respiratory siphon, with females averaging larger than males. Brown in color, they possess strong front legs adapted for grasping prey and a long tail-like siphon on the rear end of the body.

Identification Tips

Look for slender, brown insects with strong front legs in stagnant or slow-moving freshwater habitats. The unique long siphon at the rear end and the sit-and-wait hunting behavior can help in identification.

Habitat

Primarily found in stagnant or slow-moving waters such as ponds, marshes, canals, streams, and occasionally in hypersaline lakes and brackish lagoons.

Distribution

Eastern North America; observed in New Hampshire, Florida, Texas, and Minnesota.

Diet

Predatory, primarily eating other insects, tadpoles, and small fish. They pierce their prey and inject saliva that sedates and begins digestion.

Life Cycle

Eggs are laid on plants just below the water surface, can also be placed in mud. Eggs hatch in two to four weeks, and young take about two months to mature.

Reproduction

Eggs are positioned on aquatic vegetation or in mud; required conditions depend on species.

Ecosystem Role

They are important predators in freshwater ecosystems, controlling populations of small aquatic organisms.

Similar Taxa

• Cercotmetus
• Austronepa
• Goondnomdanepa

Misconceptions

Often misidentified as dangerous due to their predatory nature; however, they pose no threat to humans and are not scorpions.

Tags

• predatory insect
• water scorpion
• freshwater habitat
• Ranatra
• Nepidae