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.
Spot a Brown Water Scorpion? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.
Get HuckGet an alert when a Brown Water Scorpion is spotted
Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.
Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.
Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes
Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.