We're going to start off with a fun one:
The Giant Water Bug a.k.a. "Toe Biter"
This is the most common species of water bug found in Manitoba. Giant water bugs belong to the Family: Belostomatidae and fall within the Order: Hemiptera (the bugs), of the Class: Insecta (insects). There are perhaps 150 species of giant water bugs worldwide with the largest being up to 150 mm long (6 inches)!
They fly mainly at night and use light sources to orient their flight. Unfortunately, with the advent of artificial light (as opposed to the stars and moon); they often become disoriented and fly till they tire and can be found dead in streets.
In late spring or early summer the adult bugs mate and the female glues her eggs on the stems of emergent vegetation or other structures just above the water's surface. The male remains nearby to protect them and to keep them moist by periodically crawling out of the water and over top of the eggs. The young are called nymphs and hatch in about 2 weeks.
As larvae, giant water bugs obtain oxygen through their cuticle (skin), but the adults must breath air directly. They do this, and remain under water, by means of a snorkel-like appendage at the base of their abdomens. This tube allows for the exchange of air from the atmosphere to a bubble of air trapped under the wings. Air enters the insect's body through holes, called spiracles, in the abdomen.
Giant water bugs, and their nymphs, are fierce predators feeding on small fish, tadpoles, salamanders, even small frogs. They usually hunt by lying-in-ambush clutching a submerged plant or rock with only their breathing tube sticking above the surface. Any passing motion can trigger a rapid "lunge and grab" with the hook-tipped front legs.
Be sure to check out this link should you be lucky enough to catch one (do so CAREFULLY) and wish to keep it in captivity for a time:
Happy learning!
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