I had a giant water bug attack one of my fish tonight. It was on the fish for about two minutes before I got it off, put the fish back in the water and killed the bug (the most disgusting thing I have ever seen). I just went outside and noticed that my fish is dead. Has anyone had problems with giant water bugs? Is there anything you can do about them? If I have one, does that mean I will have more? Help!!!
Giant Water Bug
I haven't run into one yet-thank goodness!!!
Here is some info on the bug that probably killed your fish.
Giant Water Bug
Abedus herberti
Classification and Range
Water bugs are members of the class Insecta. The giant water bug belongs to the family Belostomatidae, one of 50 families in the order Hemiptera. Members of this order are considered “true bugs.” There are approximately 100 species in the family Belostomatidae that live primarily in North America, South Africa and India. In North America, Abedus herberti is located throughout Arizona and portions of adjacent states and Mexico.
If you like this animal and find it particularly fascinating you can adopt it!
Habitat
Clear, freshwater streams and ponds, preferring those with aquatic vegetation.
Physical Characteristics
Giant water bugs are approximately 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) in length. Some species grow as long as 4 inches (10 cm). They have one pair of tiny, almost inconspicuous antennae located snugly below their compound eyes. The giant water bug’s mouthparts are elongated into a beak-like structure designed for piercing and sucking.
The body is brown, flat and oval, giving them an appearance similar to that of a cockroach. The front legs are raptorial (grasping) to seize prey. Their other two pairs of legs are flattened and fringed with hair to increase their surface area. These legs are used like paddles for propulsion. Adults have two pairs of wings, but they rarely fly unless forced to by unfavorable water conditions or lack of an adequate food supply. The posterior end of a giant water bug has two retractable, semi-cylindrical appendages which, when held together, form a breathing tube. This tube is used for underwater breathing. When in flight, air is exchanged through small openings of the respiratory system called spiracles.
Life Span
One year or longer
Diet
In the wild: Larvae eat small aquatic invertebrates, while adults prey on any small animal they can handle, including insects and other aquatic invertebrates. They also hunt vertebrates such as tadpoles, salamanders and small fish. Grasping and holding prey with their powerful forelegs, giant water bugs thrust their sucking mouthparts into their prey.
At the zoo: Crickets
Reproduction
During mating, the female approaches the male and begins the courtship ritual which involves sparring with one another, and grasping in the air. To ensure that he is the father, the male will copulate with the female and allow her to lay the eggs on his back. He will only allow her to lay a few eggs after each mating. This ritual continues until the male’s entire back is covered with approximately 150 eggs. The male then takes care of the eggs, frequently exposing the eggs to air to prevent the growth of mold or other aquatic organisms. Eggs take approximately three weeks to hatch. After all the eggs have hatched, the glue attaching them to the male’s back deteriorates and the egg cases fall off.
Life Cycle
Giant water bug offspring are pale yellow in color for a few hours after birth, then assume their normal, darker color. Offspring spend much of their time near the water’s surface, so they can occasionally stick their backsides out of the water to breathe. Nymphs have small tubes located on their hind end. These tubes act like snorkels and carry air throughout the animal’s body. Metamorphosis of the giant water bug is incomplete, so nymphs look similar to their parents. Nymphs go through five instars (various forms of arthropods between molts) over eight to 10 weeks before becoming adults.
Ambush Hunters
Giant water bugs are ambush hunters, lying motionless and waiting for their prey. Predators of giant water bugs include birds, fish and other aquatic predators. When sitting motionless, giant water bugs resemble dead leaves. This allows them to hide from both potential prey and possible predators. However, their best defense is to escape and hide when alarmed.
Adult giant water bugs capture larger prey species by using their clawed front feet and chemicals which are injected into the body of the prey. The enzymes turn the prey’s insides into liquid, which the giant water bug can suck up.
Fascinating Facts
Like terrestrial insects, these bugs respire through spiracles. When submerged for long periods of time, giant water bugs carry a temporary external air supply in the form of an air bubble. The bubble is in contact with the bug’s spiracles located between their wings and their abdomen’s upper surface. The air bubble works to extract oxygen from the water!
Giant water bugs are sometimes called "toe biters" because, in self-defense, they will bite people wading or swimming in the water!
Lori
I had a giant waterbug (about 1") in my isolation tank that came off some plants that I acquired from the wild....He almost made it to my pond because he was hiding in the roots of the plants - lucky for me that I saw him! Hearing your story makes me so glad he didn't make it in because I have a few small fish are replacements for the ones that the BULLFROG ate - I would really be teed off if that ugly waterbug would have gotten the new ones, lol. LORIMORETTI -that is some very good info you posted......
Here's a follow-up to lorimoretti's post:
Take a look here: http://www.insects.org/entophiles/hemiptera/hemi_005.html
Here's a really interesting story: http://www.sptimes.com/2003/06/21/Tampabay/The_invasion_of_the_g.shtml
I also included a picture.
Dave
This message was edited Friday, Aug 8th 8:51 AM
I had a Giant Waterbud, (at least I think it was) a few years ago in the pond at my other place. Luckily one of my sons was home at the time and caught it and got rid of it. I don't want another one. Horrid creature. Donna