Lethocerus Americanus Facts, Bite, Habitat, Eggs

Lethocerus Americanus is a species belonging to the family Belostomatidae. They are called giant water bugs. It is a large-sized insect. Lethocerus Americanus is the native of the United States and Canada. The average length of a giant water bug is about 5 to 6 cm (approx 2 to 2.4 inches). This species is classified under the genus Belostoma. The other name of this species is “toe biter.” They only bite if disturbed or handled. They do not like humans and rather avoid them. Interacting with humans is not their thing. If they are intentionally disturbed under the water, they bite with full power.


    Lethocerus Americanus Facts


    There are five main interesting facts about Lethocerus Americanus. These are the true bugs. They are considered the largest true bug among other giant bug species throughout the world. Lethocerus Americanus bugs can be cannibalistic and eat human flesh by biting them. The process of mating among Giant water bugs can take several hours. Back brooding species take more time than others. Just because their name is giant, not every giant water bug needs to be giant. At least a species is having nifty flood avoidance behavior. All these interesting facts are related to Lethocerus Americanus.


    Lethocerus Americanus Bite


    Lethocerus Americanus or Giant water bugs are harmless. But their bite is very stingy. They bite with full power and cause severe pain. Their bite causes little harm to the finger. They are called toe biter because they usually bite at humans’ toes. After a water bug bite, humans may experience cramping, vomiting, swelling, fever, and difficulty in breathing. Their bite is not fatal. All the symptoms go away after a week or two. Giant water bugs are large enough to become equal to the hand of a human. They bite only when they get irritated by anyone. They penetrate needle-like sting deep into the skin.

    Lethocerus Americanus Habitat


    Lethocerus Americanus are commonly found in North American, South America, East Asia, and northern Australia. They live in lakes and ponds. They can also be found in the water streams. Lethocerus Americans are considered delicacies in some areas of Southeast Asia. Marches, ponds, slow-moving streams, and edges of the lakes are the common places for their habitat. Small fishes, small crustaceans, snails, tadpoles, and insects are their basic diet. All creeks, larvae, and adults feed on them. They can remain underwater for longer. They can gape for about 20 minutes. Then they close the gap and move again to the surface.

    Lethocerus Americanus Eggs


    Female giant bugs scientifically known as Lethocerus Americanus belong to the genus Lethocerus. They lay their eggs via a sexual mating process. The vegetative parts of the lakes and ponds are the optimum place for their eggs. They lay eggs on vegetative parts of ponds near or just above the waterline. When a female giant bug lays eggs, it becomes the responsibility of a male giant water bug to protect them. He sticks around them, usually under the stem of Plantae. They climb up the stem if they suspect any predator. This is how he protects the eggs for a week or two.

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