Giant Water Bug (Toe-Biter)

Freshwater ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams; often found near pool lights at night.

Carnivorous; feeds on other insects, tadpoles, small fish, frogs, and snails by injecting digestive enzymes and sucking out fluids.

Ambush predator that breathes through a tube at the end of its abdomen. They are strong flyers attracted to lights (giving them the name 'Electric Light Bugs') and the males of some species carry eggs on their backs.

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling pest populations like mosquito larvae. Risks to humans include a very painful (though not medically significant) bite if handled or accidentally stepped on.