water bug

Any of a number of aquatic bugs where all stages of the life cycle (adult, larval, and egg) occur in the water; the eggs are usually attached to the stems or leaves of water plants. In contrast to the land bugs, which have quite distinctly noticeable antennae, the antennae of water bugs are hidden. In general, water bugs are also less brightly coloured; they are usually varying shades of black or brown, and tend to inhabit the bottom strata of ponds, lakes, and streams. They may or may not have wings.

Classification Water bugs belong to the suborder Heteroptera, order Hemiptera, class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda.

The largest water bugs, giant waterbugs, belong to the family Belostomatidae. They found in Australia, India, China, and South America. They are over 10 cm/4 in long, and prey on insects, tadpoles, and small fish.