Strange Insect! - DPChallenge Forums

10/25/2003 08:40:54 PM · #1

Anyone have any clues as to what this creature is? It was about 3-4 inches long, and used the front appendages to crawl forward. There was a small pond nearby, so I think it may be aquatic, but am unsure. It was found in Massachusetts, USA. I have lived here nearly my entire life, and have never seen such a thing!

Creature

10/25/2003 08:49:13 PM · #2

You are correct, it is a Giant Water Bug. I've seen only a few of these my entire life. Imposing, aren't they?
there is a close relative with the hilarious name of "Eastern Toe Biter" but it looks like yours is a Giant Water Bug.

Olympus 50mm f/1.8 MF Normal Zuiko

10/25/2003 08:54:59 PM · #3

We get them here in Australia all the time up North, I didn't know they were found in your part of the world. I have one pinned in my collection, you can see it in the middle of the insect collection in my Science challenge shot:

The ones here kirbic are called both Giant Water Bugs AND Toe Biters, depending where you come from.

Amazing little beasties :)

emorgan49

Olympus E-5

10/25/2003 08:56:39 PM · #4

Eewwww!

10/25/2003 09:00:49 PM · #5

Natator, it appears the name "toe biter" is applied to all of the species, my error.
There are several species in N. America, and it looks like Africa & Asia are host to them as well.
They apparently also are known in N.A. as "electric light bugs" because they are attracted to lights at night; I was unaware of this until I Googled them.
Evidently there were some local plagues of them in both Florida & California this year...
Prolly more than we wanted to know about Giant Water Bugs. It was fun though, 'cause I haven't seen one in many years.

10/25/2003 09:01:23 PM · #6

Well! I am both excited and .. well, unscientifically disgusted! I only hope that it is not the BABY!!! LOL
I can't believe such a creature has been around, and yet in college I took part numerous times in collecting for classification of water insects, and fish, and to do so waded in the water!!! Yucko! Had I known, I probably would not have done that! LOL

Thank you so much for the answers.

10/25/2003 09:07:22 PM · #7

Here is a photo of one looking for food while breathing with the abdomen tube it extends above the surface! Okay... enough of Entomology 101!

LOL
:)

Toe Biter

Message edited by author 2003-10-25 21:07:39.

10/25/2003 09:09:44 PM · #8

Ahhh, didn't know that about them kirbic, but that does explain why the local supermarket carpark was full of them at night ... floodlights :)

Sounds like you got lucky there Karen in you collecting trips, as the adults of these little beasts are known to drag poor unsuspecting students to the depth and devour them (Muhhhhwwwwaaaaa!!!!!!!)

They are one of my all time favorite insects, simply as where I grew up we didn't have anything exotic like that. The other ones I like not are the MASSIVE stick insects (I used to have one that was over a foot long, and the amazing ones that look so like leaves you have to be careful not to have them in your salad ... though the protein is good for you ;)

10/25/2003 09:13:57 PM · #9

LOL!

10/25/2003 09:26:48 PM · #10

Ahh, but Entomology 101 is not over yet. Natator, I can't produce a one-foot walking stick, but here's a specimen I recently photographed in the yard...

Message edited by author 2003-10-25 22:15:50.

blacknstormy

Nikon D70

10/26/2003 12:10:49 AM · #11

Toe biters - or Belostomatids are indeed fantastic insects. In one of the species found in Australia, the female actually lays her eggs on the dorsum of the males, and the males then care for the eggs (courtesy of Insects of Australia) - how cool is that!!

10/26/2003 12:14:30 AM · #12

Grrrr, you have "Insects of Australia" Blacknstormy (I assume you mean the sensational 2 volume CSIRO publication).

I lost mine a few years ago and can't afford to replace it. It is the very bestest book!

blacknstormy

Nikon D70

10/26/2003 12:18:24 AM · #13

I seem to be following you around the post - yes, the CSIRO 2-volume set is absolutely fantastic!! Have you seen the butterflies of Australia 2 volume set?? It is fantastic as well - I highly recommend i!!!

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

10/26/2003 12:23:26 AM · #14

Have seen it but don't own it.

I intend to buy the insects one when I can manage it, but as it is not only an interest, not a profession, it is hard to justify the cost.

Tag, you're it!

coolhar

10/26/2003 01:21:29 AM · #15

Any of you insect experts care to take a shot at id'ing this one?

Taken near Washington, DC

Imagineer

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

10/26/2003 02:29:25 AM · #16

Originally posted by kirbic:

This is a great macro - are the green bits part of him or has he lost a leg?

I find the insect world simply amazing. Who needs sci-fi...

10/26/2003 04:08:00 AM · #17

Oops, missed your post kirbic ... excellent shots there! The legs on that one are amazing, I don't think we have that flavour where I am :)