Species Insects & ArthropodsGiant Water Bug

Giant Water Bug

Lethocerus americanus

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Giant Water Bug (Lethocerus americanus)
Safety note: Handle with care; can deliver a painful bite.

Also known as 'toe-biters', these aquatic insects are among the largest true bugs, with an active predatory lifestyle. Their powerful rostrum is used to capture and subdue prey.

Habitat
Inhabits ponds, calm waters, and slow-moving streams.
Diet
Predatory, feeding on fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.
How common
Uncommon

Best time to see a Giant Water Bug

The best time to see a Giant Water Bug is April–August, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,066 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Not certain it is a Giant Water Bug? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Giant Water Bug sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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