Diet

• Adults and nymphs: Powerful aquatic predators that feed on aquatic insects, insect larvae, tadpoles, small fish, snails and other small aquatic animals they can overpower.

• They capture prey with their strong raptorial front legs and pierce it with a short, powerful beak.

• Digestive enzymes are injected into the prey, breaking down its internal tissues so the bug can suck out the liquefied contents.

Range

• Belostoma is a large genus of giant water bugs (Belostomatidae) in the subfamily Belostomatinae, tribe Belostomatini.

• The genus is restricted to the Americas, occurring from North America through Mexico and Central America into South America.

• It is occasionally sighted in Zihua, particularly around freshwater ponds, wetlands and other standing or slow-moving waters. Adults may also appear unexpectedly around outdoor lights.

Habitat

• Primarily found in freshwater ponds, marshes, wetlands, lake margins and other still or slow-moving waters, particularly where submerged or emergent aquatic vegetation provides cover.

• They spend much of their time concealed among aquatic plants and bottom debris, waiting to ambush passing prey.

• Adults can fly and are often strongly attracted to artificial lights at night, which accounts for the alternative name “electric-light bugs.” 

• Around Zihua, they may therefore be encountered some distance from water after flying to lights, particularly during warm, humid weather.

Size

• Belostoma species vary considerably in size but are generally about 15–40 mm (0.6–1.6 in) long.

• Body broad, oval and flattened, providing a streamlined shape for moving through water and vegetation.

• Usually brown, olive-brown or dark brown, providing excellent camouflage against mud and submerged plant material.

• The powerful front legs are modified for grasping prey, while the flattened hind legs function as swimming paddles.

• Short respiratory appendages at the end of the abdomen allow the insect to obtain atmospheric oxygen while remaining largely submerged.