| Belostomatidae | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Lethocerus americanus | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Heteroptera |
| Infraorder: | Nepomorpha |
| Family: | Belostomatidae Leach, 1815 |
Belostomatidae is afamily of freshwaterhemipteran insects known asgiant water bugs or colloquially astoe-biters,Indian toe-biters,electric-light bugs (because they fly to lights in large numbers),alligator ticks, oralligator fleas (in Florida). They are thelargest insects in the order Hemiptera.[1] There are about 170 species found in freshwater habitats worldwide, with more than 110 in theNeotropics, more than 20 in Africa, almost as many in theNearctic, and far fewer elsewhere.[2] These predators are typically encountered in freshwater ponds, marshes and slow-flowing streams. Most species are at least 2 cm (0.8 in) long, although smaller species, down to 0.9 cm (0.35 in), also exist. The largest are members of the genusLethocerus, which can exceed 12 cm (4.5 in) and nearly reach the length of some of thelargest beetles in the world.[1][3][4] Giant water bugs are a popular food in parts of Asia.[5]
The oldest fossil member of this family isTriassonepa from theLate Triassic-agedCow Branch Formation ofVirginia &North Carolina, USA.[6]
%2c_Vohimana_reserve%2c_Madagascar_(13569458513).jpg)
Belostomatids have a flattened, obovoid to ovoid-elongate body, and usually the legs are flattened.[4] The head features two largecompound eyes, but lacksocelli, contrasting with many hemipterans. Shortantennae are tucked in grooves behind the eyes. A short breathing tube can be retracted into its abdomen.[7] Adults cannot breathe under water, so must periodically place the breathing tube at the surface for air (similar to a snorkel).[8]
Theirhind tarsi have two apical claws. The frontal legs are modified into raptorial appendages that they use to grab their prey, except in the AfricanLimnogeton, which has "normal" forelegs and is a specialized snail-eater.[4] Once caught, the prey are stabbed with theirproboscis and a powerfulproteolytic[9] saliva is injected, allowing the Belostomatid to suck out the liquefied remains.[3] Wing pads can be seen from the dorsal view. While the members of the subfamily Lethocerinae can disperse by flying,[1] other species, includingAbedus herberti, have a greatly reduced flight apparatus and are flightless.[2][10] Giant Water Bugs exhibit muscle regression as they develop from nymphs to adults, adapting their musculature for a more energy-efficient predatory lifestyle, which may influence their hunting strategies and ecological interactions.[11]
BioLib lists three extant subfamilies and a number of fossil taxa:
Auth. Leach, 1815
Auth. Lauck & Menke, 1961; South America
Auth. Lauck & Menke, 1961
subfamilyStygeonepinae Popov, 1971 †
Belostomatids are aggressivepredators that stalk, capture, and feed onfish,amphibians, as well as aquaticinvertebrates such assnails andcrustaceans. The largest species have also been found to capture and feed on baby turtles and water snakes.[12] They often lie motionless at the bottom of a body of water, attached to various objects, where they wait for prey to come near. They then strike, injecting a venomous digestivesaliva with theirrostrum. Although their sting is excruciatingly painful, it is of no medical significance.[8] Occasionally, when encountered by a larger animal or a human, they have been known to "play dead" and most species can emit a fluid from their anus.[4][8] Due to this, they are assumed dead by humans only to later "come alive" with painful results.[8]
Belostomatids showpaternal care and these aspects have been studied extensively, among others involving the North AmericanBelostoma flumineum and the East AsianLethocerus (Kirkaldyia) deyrollei. In species of the subfamily Belostomatinae, the eggs are typically laid on the male's wings and carried until they hatch. The male cannot mate during this period. The males invest considerable time and energy in reproduction and females take the role of actively finding males to mate. This role reversal matches the predictions ofR. L. Trivers'parental investment theory. In the subfamily Lethocerinae, the eggs are laid on emergent vegetation and guarded by the male.[13]
Belostomatids can be found for sale in markets mainly in Southeast Asia involving the speciesLethocerus indicus.[5] In Southeast Asia they are often collected for this purpose using large floating traps on ponds, set withblack lights to attract the bugs. Adults fly at night, like many aquatic insects, and are attracted to lights during the breeding season.
Authority control databases: National |
|---|