Giant Water Bug (Toe-Biter)

Natural Habitat

Stagnant or slow-moving freshwater such as ponds, marshes, and lake margins, often hiding among aquatic vegetation.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous predator that eats insects, crustaceans, snails, tadpoles, small fish, and occasionally small reptiles or amphibians using a piercing-sucking proboscis.

Behavior Patterns

Ambush predators that remain motionless underwater; they are strong fliers often attracted to porch lights at night, giving them the nickname Light Bugs.

Risks & Benefits

Benefits the ecosystem by controlling populations of aquatic pests; can deliver a very painful bite to humans if handled, though it is not medically significant.

Identified on: 6/23/2026