The larvae of the Giant Water Bug, Lethocerus Patruelis, injects its digestive juices into its prey then sucks out the liquified results. Photo: Nikolay Simov
This YouTube video shows a giant water bug larva, Lethocerus patruelis, attacking and killing a small fish. The giant water bug larva uses the stems of a water plant to stalk and ambush its unsuspecting prey.
From Science, Space & Robots: Lethocerus patruelis is the largest European water insect. It can reach up to 8 centimeters (3.14 inches) in length. It is a member of the family Belostomatidae also known as electric light bugs or toe biters. The bugs are fierce predators. They stalk, capture and feed on aquatic crustaceans, fish and amphibians.
The insect injects strong digestive saliva into its victim when it strikes. It then sucks out the liquefied remains to feed. Scientists say their bite is considered one of the most painful that can be ever inflicted by any insect.
Nikolay Simov and Mario Langourov recently studied the insect and published an article in ZooKeys. The researchers recorded on video the vicious predatory practices of the species. The researchers say that the water bug has been expanding its territory northward, possibly due to climate change.
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