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Lethocerus americanus, sometimes called the electric light bug, toe biter or fish killer, [1] is a giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae, native to southern Canada and the United States (north of 35°N; other Lethocerus species are found southwards). [2] It typically has a length around 5–6 cm (2.0–2.4 in). [3]
Lethocerus sp. with wings open. Unlike giant water bugs in the subfamily Belostomatinae, females do not lay the eggs on the backs of males. [4] Instead, after copulation (often multiple sessions [5]) the eggs are laid on emergent vegetation (rarely on man-made structures) high enough above the waterline that the eggs will not be permanently submerged.
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 genus Lethocerus, which can exceed 12 cm (4.5 in) and nearly reach the length of some of the largest beetles in the world. [1] [3] [4] Giant water bugs are a popular food in parts of Asia. [5]
The morphology and the behavior of giant water bugs of the genus Belostoma is very similar to those of the genus Lethocerus and Abedus, which all belong to the family of the Belostomatidae. They also show breeding habits similar to those of the family of the Belostomatidae. They show paternal care. The males are carrying the eggs cemented on ...
It is the only species in the genus Benacus, which was formerly considered a subgenus of Lethocerus. [2] [3] [4] Benacus griseus is found throughout eastern North America, from New England, west through southern Ontario and to Nebraska, south to Florida and Texas, along the Gulf of Mexico coast in Mexico, and into Cuba. [5] [6]
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The heaviest species of this order are the giant water bugs Lethocerus grandis and Lethocerus maximus. [32] These can surpass a length of 12 cm (4.7 in), [ 33 ] although they are more slender and less heavy than most other insects of this size (principally the huge beetles ).
Lethocerus medius is a species of giant water bug in the family Belostomatidae. [1] [2] [3] [4] It is found in Central America from northern Panama north throughout ...