Electric-light-bug

Guides

• Belostoma

  giant water bugs, electric-light bugs, toe-biters

  Belostoma is a genus of giant water bugs in the family Belostomatidae, comprising approximately 70 species organized into 16 subgroups. These aquatic predators are native to freshwater habitats throughout the Americas, with highest diversity in tropical South America. The genus is distinguished by male paternal care, where males carry eggs cemented to their backs until hatching. Species range in body length from 15 to 41.5 mm.

  giant-water-bugaquatic-insectpaternal-carepredatorfreshwaterHemipteraBelostomatidaeback-broodingelectric-light-bugtoe-biter

• Lethocerus

  giant water bugs, toe biters, electric light bugs

  Lethocerus is a genus of large predatory aquatic true bugs in the family Belostomatidae. Members are among the largest true bugs, with some species exceeding 12 cm in length. The genus is distinguished from related genera by specific morphological features of the fore femur and parasternites. Unlike other giant water bugs, females do not deposit eggs on males' backs; instead, eggs are laid on emergent vegetation above the waterline and guarded by males. The genus shows greatest diversity in the Americas, with limited representation in Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia.

  giant-water-bugtoe-biterelectric-light-bugaquatic-predatorrange-expansionclimate-changecitizen-scienceBelostomatidaeHemipterafreshwaterMediterraneaninvasive-potentialpainful-biteedible-insectendangered-specieschromosome-evolutionsex-chromosome-pre-reductionmale-parental-carenocturnalphototaxis