Water Scorpions

Family Nepidae

Ranatra fusca. Photo:Stephanie Boucher

Water scorpions are predaceous, feeding on small aquatic animals which are captured with the front legs. They hold on to submerged vegetation and extend their breathing tube up to the surface. They can inflict a painful bite if handled. Water scorpions have raptorial front legs and the middle and hind legs are adapted for walking around aquatic vegetation rather than swimming. There is a long breathing tube, almost as long as the body, projecting from the end of the abdomen. Species in the genus Ranatra are slender with very long legs and look like walking sticks. Species of Nepa look like small giant water bugs (Belostomatidae) except for the breathing tube.