Unusual invertebrate - Waterscorpion

[Sfourie]

Hi all

Thought it would be a good idea to let my Labrador have an overdue swim the other day. I found this unusual invertebrate on one of the pipes in the pool.

At first I thought it might be a Whipscorpion. At second glance I noticed that it did not have the correct number of legs nor were the pincers robust enough. The head was distinct from the body and it also looked as if it may have wings

I spent the rest of the afternoon taking photographs and doing research much to the dismay of my long suffering Labrador.

It turns out that this is an insect of the order Hemiptera, true bugs, and of the family Nepidae, commonly referred to as Waterscorpions.

I have not been able to find out to much of its habits. They seem to be ambush predators hanging upside down in the water, the raptorial forelegs being used to catch their prey. The tail is used as a breathing apparatus. They inhabit slowing moving streams or ponds and they are capable of flight.

If anyone else has any information to add it would be appreciated.





Regards

Stefan

[Herald_23]

Two species are identified. Ranatra and Laccotrephes. They are not very good swimmers and usually hang around plants just below the surface preying mainly on tadpoles. Found in still bodies of water. Usually don't reach lengths exceeding 5cm.
They are distributed throughout South Africa

[Sfourie]

Thanks Herald_23

[it_bit_me]

I hear their bite is just as painful as an assassin bug.

[Robyn@TRR]

I don't know jack about them, but it is awfully cool looking!