Skip to main content

Water Scorpion

Ranatra sp.

Photo by Tukup
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

35.94, -97.28

Field Notes

Description:

This walking stick looking insect had a body that was about 2 inches long. It had very long legs and was reddish brown in color.

Habitat:

I saw this insect in the water and thought it was a walking stick that had fallen in. I got it out, took pictures of it, set it down, and it went right back in the water, walking around on the bottom.

Notes:

He reminded me of a walking stick, but since he was in the water, I suppose that makes him a "wading stick" or something. I have no idea whatsoever what it is, other than weird.

Reference Links:

Genus Ranatra - BugGuide.Net

Species ID Suggestions

Waterscorpion

Ranatra sp.

Reference Link
ForestDragon
1

Comments (4)
Tukup
That looks right. I feel more comfortable with a water scorpion than a strider, although they have similarities. I don't see a lot of identifying characteristics to differentiate the species on the site, but I think that's a good first step. I'll follow the leads and see where I end up. Thanks a bunch.
ForestDragon
This looks to me like a waterscorpion. I am not sure of the species but I feel pretty confident in calling it one from genus Ranatra. Check out the link provided above. You may be able to identify it further from there.
Tukup
Thanks Hema. That looks right. I can't find anything that says any of them willing spend time under the water, but this one did and wasn't distressed at all. I see there are about a billion species (1,700) too. So much for narrowing it down. Thanks for that word.
HemaShah
Wading stick!!Love that name!This is a water strider.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Oklahoma and Texas Wildlife

Tags

Photographed
PublishedFebruary 3, 2019

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies