Japanese Giant Water Bug vs High-altitude Water Boatman

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Japanese Giant Water Bug High-altitude Water Boatman
Scientific Name Lethocerus deyrolli Sigara nigrolineata
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Belostomatidae Corixidae
Size 48-65 mm 5-7 mm body length
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Mountains
Diet Predators Detritivores
Regions East Asia, Japan Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Japanese Giant Water Bug

Known as 'ta-garame' in Japanese, this is one of Japan's largest aquatic insects. A fearsome ambush predator that can catch small fish and frogs. Has declined dramatically due to habitat loss.

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Did You Know?

Males of this species guard the eggs, which the female glues to emergent vegetation above water, by periodically climbing up to moisten them.

High-altitude Water Boatman

An aquatic bug found in high-altitude ponds and alpine lakes. It swims upside down using its oar-like hind legs.

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Did You Know?

Males produce underwater sounds by rubbing their front legs against their head to attract mates.