Here's some giant water bug trivia from the Iowa State University's entomology site:
http://www.ent.iastate.edu/clinic/node?from=14 "The giant water bug is one of the largest insects commonly encountered in Iowa. ... Giant water bugs are 2 1/2 inches long and brown in color. The body is flat and elongate oval in shape but pointed at both ends. The front legs are enlarged and pincer-like with a resemblance to praying mantis front legs. A short beak is visible on the front of the underside of the head. The legs and beak combine to make the giant water bug an effective predator. They feed on other aquatic insects, snails, tadpoles and even small fish.
Giant water bugs are in no way related to, or connected with the household cockroaches that are nicknamed 'waterbugs.' The giant water bugs are harmless and interesting. They do no harm to crops, structures, people or pets and they will not reproduce or establish indoors. The worst that can happen is a painful bite if they are handled carelessly."
Sounds like I'm fortunate not have handled it "carelessly!"
2 comments:
Here's some giant water bug trivia from the Iowa State University's entomology site:
http://www.ent.iastate.edu/clinic/node?from=14
"The giant water bug is one of the largest insects commonly encountered in Iowa. ...
Giant water bugs are 2 1/2 inches long and brown in color. The body is flat and elongate oval in shape but pointed at both ends. The front legs are enlarged and pincer-like with a resemblance to praying mantis front legs. A short beak is visible on the front of the underside of the head. The legs and beak combine to make the giant water bug an effective predator. They feed on other aquatic insects, snails, tadpoles and even small fish.
Giant water bugs are in no way related to, or connected with the household cockroaches that are nicknamed 'waterbugs.' The giant water bugs are harmless and interesting. They do no harm to crops, structures, people or pets and they will not reproduce or establish indoors. The worst that can happen is a painful bite if they are handled carelessly."
Sounds like I'm fortunate not have handled it "carelessly!"
Too bad we couldn't get Kim to put it in her mouth...
Post a Comment