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Giant Water Bug - Lethocerus americanus *Tentative ID because it is also very similar to Benacus griseus.<br /> <br /> I was mothing when this beastie flew up behind me and started crawling on my head. It scared me so much that I actually screamed. Thankfully, it was polite enough to stay nearby temporarily so I could get a photo. It was close to 6 cm long. It was huge. <br /> <br /> Habitat: Attracted to a light and my head; semi-rural area Geotagged,Giant Water Bug,Lethocerus,Lethocerus americanus,Summer,United States Click/tap to enlarge

Giant Water Bug - Lethocerus americanus

*Tentative ID because it is also very similar to Benacus griseus.

I was mothing when this beastie flew up behind me and started crawling on my head. It scared me so much that I actually screamed. Thankfully, it was polite enough to stay nearby temporarily so I could get a photo. It was close to 6 cm long. It was huge.

Habitat: Attracted to a light and my head; semi-rural area

    comments (4)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    Oh my, toe-biter on your head?

    I find these insects intriguing, they are such stunning and impressive hunters. At the same time, I find them supremely disgusting.     Posted 4 years ago
    1. View Christine Young's profile
      Christine Young
      Lion
      View Lion class
      It was horrible, haha. I thought it was just a gypsy moth, so I grabbed it without seeing it, realized my error, screamed, and threw it. Poor thing didn't deserve such treatment, but it wasn't hurt. Thankfully, neither was I. Posted 4 years ago
  3. View Calbost Niel's profile
    Calbost Niel
    Lion
    View Lion class
    What a monster Posted 4 years ago
    1. View Christine Young's profile
      Christine Young
      Lion
      View Lion class
      Indeed!! Posted 4 years ago

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The American Giant Water Bug

''Lethocerus americanus'' is a giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae, native to North America. It was originally classified as a species in genus ''Belostoma''.

Info 4 0
Similar species: True Bugs
Species identified by Christine Young
View Christine Young's profile

By Christine Young

All rights reserved
Uploaded Jul 18, 2021. Captured Jul 16, 2021 23:20 in 5 East St, New Milford, CT 06776, USA.
country flag of United States of America Explore United States of America 39,925 9,640 8
  • Canon EOS 90D
  • f/13.0
  • 1/64s
  • ISO1600
  • 100mm
Captured in the summer. More summer photos.

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