L. americanus (American Giant Water Bug)

Lethocerus (Giant Water Bug)

 * Level: Beginner-Intermediate
 * Native Habitat: Native to North America these insects can be found in temperate to sub-tropical regions in still fresh water aquatic environments.
 * Common Names
 * Giant Water Bug
 * Giant Water Beetle
 * Fish Killer
 * Electric Light Bug
 * Toe Biter
 * Water Scorpion

Captive Habitat

 * Enclosure Type: Aquatic/Semi-aquatic: A medium fish bowl or small to medium aquarium will provide enough space for the water bug. No water filter is needed as the bug prefers still water, be sure to change out the water regularly. Water bugs are ambush predators and enjoy the cover of aquatic plants, both fake and real.
 * Substrate: Not required but sand, gravel, rocks or glass beads will not effect your water bug.
 * Conditions: Water should be changed out periodically, water conditioner is advisable.
 * Temp: 60-80*F (15- 26*C)

Husbandry

 * Temperament: Aggressive-Defensive; This species does not hesitate to pinch when it feels threatened
 * Behavior: Water bugs can be fairly active and will pursue any thing that enters the water that is smaller than it including vertebrates and fingers.
 * Size: 2-2.5 " (5-7cm)
 * Social: No
 * Life Span: 1+ year
 * Feeding: Water bugs will eat all forms of invertebrates (aquatic insects, crickets roaches etc) and vertebrates (fish, frogs, etc) placed into the water that are up to 1/3 their body size, in the wild they have been observed taking small snakes and baby turtles.