Waterscorpion
Guides
Ranatra brevicollis
Western Waterscorpion
Ranatra brevicollis is a species of waterscorpion in the family Nepidae, first described by Montandon in 1910. It is distributed across Central America and North America. The species belongs to a genus of aquatic predatory insects commonly known as waterscorpions due to their elongated, scorpion-like appearance. It is recognized by the common name Western Waterscorpion.
Ranatra buenoi
waterscorpion
Ranatra buenoi is a species of waterscorpion in the family Nepidae, described by Hungerford in 1922. It occurs in North America. Waterscorpions in this genus are aquatic predatory insects characterized by elongated bodies and raptorial forelegs. The specific epithet honors an individual, though the source context does not clarify the namesake.
Ranatra montezuma
Montezuma waterscorpion
Ranatra montezuma is a waterscorpion species endemic to Montezuma Well, a thermally constant, fishless spring in Yavapai County, Arizona. It was described by J. Polhemus in 1976 and represents a highly localized population with specific dietary adaptations to its unique aquatic environment. The species exhibits nocturnal foraging behavior and maintains high population densities supported by abundant endemic prey.
Ranatra nigra
Ranatra nigra is a waterscorpion species in the family Nepidae, occurring in aquatic environments of the Mobile/Tensaw Delta. The species has been documented in association with the water mite Hydrachna magniscutata, which exhibits temporal distribution patterns linked to R. nigra. As a member of the genus Ranatra, it possesses the elongated body form and raptorial forelegs characteristic of waterscorpions.