Giant Water Bug

[Tigereye]

Found one of these guys on my deck last night. I'm sure fish will eat them if the opportunity arises though certainly not a major part of diet. Had to do some research to see what it was. Never saw one before. Wallet is there for size reference. Interesting and large critters they are.

 

[Tigereye]

https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Giant-Water-Bug


forgot link for ID

 

[Dave_W]

Interesting.

 

[krayfish2]

Want to see something disturbing? Not sure if the one you found has the same biting feature.
https://youtu.be/mjCAyo2Litw

 

[tomgamber]

nothing as freaky as the first time you see a Dobson fly.

 

[Fredrick]

I think they would make a cool pet

 

[Maurice]

I recall back in the 90’s reading that trout are repulsed by the taste of water bugs. But I suppose they would do in a pinch.

*rimshot*

 

[dryflyguy]

Maurice wrote:
I recall back in the 90’s reading that trout are repulsed by the taste of water bugs. But I suppose they would do in a pinch.

*rimshot*

I read the same thing.

And think that it's probably true.
I've seen these things all over the water many times. And nothing touching them

 

[Tigereye]

https://www.foxnews.com/science/tiny-vampire-bugs-devour-turtles-and-snakes-by-sucking-their-insides-out-alive


More on these critters. The article is for same Genus but a species different than found in PA.