Water Scorpion vs Hawaiian Planthopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water Scorpion Hawaiian Planthopper
Scientific Name Nepa cinerea Nesosydne chambersi
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Nepidae Delphacidae
Size 18-22 mm 3-5 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Mountains
Diet Omnivores Sap Feeders
Regions Europe, Asia Hawaii
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Water Scorpion

A flat aquatic bug that lurks in shallow water resembling a dead leaf. It breathes through a long tail-like siphon that breaks the water surface.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name and scorpion-like raptorial forelegs, the water scorpion is a weak swimmer and instead ambushes prey from vegetation.

Hawaiian Planthopper

A tiny planthopper endemic to Hawaii that feeds on native grasses. It is one of over 100 Nesosydne species that evolved on the islands.

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Did You Know?

The genus Nesosydne underwent one of the most spectacular adaptive radiations of any insect group in Hawaii.