Water scorpion

Freshwater habitats such as ponds, slow streams, and marshes, usually among submerged vegetation and debris.

Carnivorous. They feed on small aquatic insects, tadpoles, and small fish by ambushing them with raptorial forelegs.

They are slow-moving ambush predators that hang near the water surface using a long, non-functional tail-like breathing tube to draw in air. They can fly to new water sources.

They do not transmit diseases to humans, but they can deliver a painful defensive bite if handled improperly. Ecologically, they help control populations of other aquatic insects.