The Brown Water Scorpion is a stick-thin aquatic bug with raptorial front legs and a long, slender breathing tube at its tail end that it holds above water to breathe. Despite its scorpion name it lacks a stinger — the 'tail' is purely a snorkel. It lurks motionlessly among aquatic plant stems waiting for small prey to venture within reach.
Best time to see a Brown Water Scorpion
The best time to see a Brown Water Scorpion is June–September, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 728 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Brown Water Scorpion? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Brown Water Scorpion sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Brown Water Scorpion?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.