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.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
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.
Spotted a Giant Water Bug?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
5,300+species
63national parks
50states