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Wildlife Spotting

Photo by Alison
Published on Project Noah
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44.9072, -78.3793

Field Notes

Description:

A large flying beetle, a bit like a cockroach, about 1 1/2 inches long. It took off, flew around quite acrobatically and caught a moth. The second picture is of it lying on its back, holding the moth in its legs (sorry, this one is a bit fuzzy)..

Habitat:

Outside our house at night (outside light was on). House located in mixed forest, not urban area.

Species ID Suggestions

Giant Water Bug

Lethocerus americanus

Reference Link
KeithRoragen
4

Comments (7)
Meredith.M.
I second the I.D. by KeithRoragen. It's not a beetle or a cockroach its a giant water bug.
Arun
Nice spotting ..
Alison
It could have been larger than 1 1/2 inches. It was certainly much larger than any "bug" I've seen around here before and my partner thinks it was closer to 2 1/2 inches. I saw it take off and catch the moth; just as I was trying to focus my camera the first time, it took off and flew around a bit like a bat does when it's hunting. When it landed, it flipped on its back and was holding the moth. I'm glad I didn't try to pick it up if it bites.
Alison
That could be it. There is a pond nearby and with the recent warm weather, it might have recently emerged from hibernation. Thanks!
KeithRoragen
The size you give seems a bit small, but this definitely looks like Lethocerus. Giant Water Bugs, also called Toe Biters, are true bugs. They live in the water but are attracted to lights at night. They are predacious, feeding on small fish and insects, and are capable of delivering a painful bite. Did you see it take down that moth?

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Hunters & Animal Food Habits
Photographed
PublishedMarch 25, 2012

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