Lethocerus americanus | 台北市立動物園資訊網

LethocerusamericanusisagiantwaterbuginthefamilyBelostomatidae,nativetosouthernCanadaandtheUnitedStatesIttypicallyhasalengtharound5–6 ...

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Species of true bug

Lethocerus americanus, sometimes called the electric light bug, toe biter or fish killer,[1] is a giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae, native to southern Canada and the United States (north of 35°N; other Lethocerus species are found southwards).[2] It typically has a length around 5–6 cm (2.0–2.4 in).[3] It was originally classified as a species in genus Belostoma.[3]

Commonly found in ponds, marshes, and on the edges of lakes and slow-moving streams and creeks, adults and larvae feed on other insects, small crustaceans (crabs/crayfish), tadpoles, snails, and small fish. The adult swims with the aid of its hind legs. A pair of front fore limbs is used for capturing and latching onto its intended prey, which it then injects with digestive toxins through a somewhat retractable proboscis much like that of a mosquito. L. americanus tends to let its prey d...