Giant Water Strider vs Dark Kissing Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Water Strider Dark Kissing Bug
Scientific Name Gigantometra gigas Panstrongylus megistus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Gerridae Reduviidae
Size 18-24 mm body, 250 mm leg span 26-34 mm
Habitat Rivers & Streams Underground
Diet Omnivores Blood Feeders
Regions Vietnam, Southern China, Southeast Asia Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Giant Water Strider

The largest water strider in the world, found in Southeast Asian streams. Its leg span can reach over 25 cm across the water surface.

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Did You Know?

With a leg span exceeding 25 centimeters, it is the undisputed giant of the water strider world.

Dark Kissing Bug

A large triatomine bug and important Chagas disease vector in Brazil. It has adapted to live in both sylvatic and domestic environments.

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Did You Know?

It was the triatomine species Carlos Chagas used when he first discovered the disease that bears his name.