Bruce The Giant Water Bug
Common Name: Giant Water Bug
Nick Name: Bruce
Other Names: Toe Biters, Alligator Ticks, Electric Light Bugs
How Big Are They?: 1 ½ to 4 inches (3.8 – 10 cm) long
Good Things They Do: Eat small fish, tadpoles, snails, and insects so there aren’t too many of them.
Not So Good Things They Do: They can bite when picked up
Where Do You Find Them? Ponds and lakes, less common in rivers. Hang onto plants in the water and wait for their next meal. Adults will sometimes fly to porch lights at night.
Interesting Things About Them: Giant water bugs are a popular food in Thailand.
Photo by Susan Ellis