European Bat Bug vs Marsh Treader

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Bat Bug Marsh Treader
Scientific Name Cimex pipistrelli Hydrometra stagnorum
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Cimicidae Hydrometridae
Size 4-5 mm 9-12 mm
Habitat Caves Ponds & Lakes
Diet Blood Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

European Bat Bug

A cimicid bug that parasitizes pipistrelle and other bat species across Europe. It may invade living spaces when bats vacate roost sites.

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Did You Know?

When their bat hosts leave a roost seasonally, they may wander into occupied rooms seeking alternative blood meals.

Marsh Treader

An extremely slender, stick-like bug with a greatly elongated head. It walks slowly across floating vegetation and water surfaces at pond margins, probing for tiny prey.

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Did You Know?

Its elongated head and rostrum give it a bizarre twig-like appearance, providing excellent camouflage among vegetation.