Water Monster - Lethocerus medius

Moved

Moved from Lethocerus.

… David J. Ferguson, 11 September, 2012 - 3:15pm

do you have images showing the insect itself from other angles?

It could probably be identified to species if so.

… David J. Ferguson, 5 August, 2012 - 12:57pm

Moved

Moved from Giant Water Bugs.
I think we can call this Lethocerus because the eggs aren't laid on the male's back.

… Charley Eiseman, 5 March, 2011 - 3:39pm

Moved

Moved from ID Request.

… John F. Carr, 16 October, 2010 - 6:08pm

It's a

Giant Water Bug, family Belostomatidae. Some people call them "Toe Biters".

… Breanna Lyle, 24 September, 2010 - 1:37pm

This is a really cool shot. A

This is a really cool shot. As I understand it, the males keep the eggs moist until they hatch by periodically watering them.

I've tried to witness this in the wild (have a pond with lots of them) but have never been able to locate any eggs, much less males watering them.

… Steven Barney, 24 September, 2010 - 2:08pm

That's true.

The males take care of the eggs. Some attach them to their backs, and swim around with them. They're amazing insects!

… Breanna Lyle, 24 September, 2010 - 2:22pm

That's true

I have a few more shots of what might be eggs on a males back, I didn't post it because I wasn't sure I was seeing it right. I'll post them before my head hits a pillow tonight ..

… Jim Baines, 24 September, 2010 - 5:14pm

That's true

Found them quicker than anticipated .. if the last photo doesn't belong let me know and I'll trash it.
Thanks!
Jim

… Jim Baines, 24 September, 2010 - 5:28pm

The added images...

shouldn't be linked to the original series because they're not of the same individual--in fact, the ones with eggs on their back must belong to a different genus.

… Charley Eiseman, 24 September, 2010 - 7:13pm

The added images ...

OK, thanks, Charley! I'm removing them now.

… Jim Baines, 24 September, 2010 - 7:49pm