Template:Belostomatidae

Belostomatidae

Order

Hemiptera

Family

Belostomatidae

Common name

Giant water bug; toe biter

These spectacular insects are among the largest we collect and so the first common name is appropriate. The second common name we list is also unfortunately true; wading barefoot in a pond may confirm this. There are 2 parallel structures coming off the back end that distinguish this family from most other true bugs; these become more obvious in older individuals. Larger individuals also become more pointed at the back end. We used a photograph of a younger specimen because those are most commonly sampled and are easily confused with naucorids. Click to see an example of a larger specimen.