Giant Water Bug (Toe-Biter)

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

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

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

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.