Species Insects & ArthropodsBrown Water Scorpion

Brown Water Scorpion

Ranatra fusca

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Brown Water Scorpion (Ranatra fusca)

The Brown Water Scorpion is a stick-thin aquatic bug with raptorial front legs and a long, slender breathing tube at its tail end that it holds above water to breathe. Despite its scorpion name it lacks a stinger — the 'tail' is purely a snorkel. It lurks motionlessly among aquatic plant stems waiting for small prey to venture within reach.

Habitat
Shallow ponds and marshes with dense aquatic vegetation
Diet
Adults and nymphs: aquatic insects, small tadpoles, and invertebrates
How common
Common

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