Giant Water Bug - Lethocerus americanus

GIANT WATER BUG

I found a simular bug on the beach at Gulf Shores, Al. It seemed
very aggresive. Is this a natural instinct for this bug?

… JEFF BYROM, 18 September, 2006 - 11:16am

I just found one of these

I just found one of these today in Shreveport, Louisiana. From what i've been reading they are usually farther north. It's 110 degree heat index over here right now so if he likes the cooler weather he chose the wrong place. Sry i can't take a picture, oh well, bye.

… neoanderson0430, 28 August, 2005 - 11:12am

I'm not positive if it's this one or Benacus griseus?

… Lynette Schimming, 18 May, 2005 - 1:11pm

another character

Apparently there's another distinguishing feature in addition to the one Chris mentioned: in Lethocerus griseus, the outer margin of the hind tibia is "broadly curved" versus "nearly straight" in L. americanus. (the ITIS site calls Benacus griseus an invalid name - a junior synonym of Lethocerus griseus)

… Robin McLeod, 18 May, 2005 - 10:39pm

Lethocerus americanus can be distinguished from Benacus griseus by a groove in each front femur into which the tibia fits when the leg is folded.

… Chris Wirth, 18 May, 2005 - 5:07pm

Great

Thanks for the tips. I am guessing that this is ID'd properly then. I don't see any curving of the tibia.

… Lynette Schimming, 19 May, 2005 - 5:57am