Lethocerus americanus…
Winnipeg, Manitoba
My colleague Adrian and I just met this Giant Water Bug (Lethocerus americanus) on the sidewalk about a block from our downtown office. Frankly, I was shocked that I have never before encountered its ilk in the 38 years I have spent in Canada (including lots of time in swamps and on streams and ponds)… apparently they are also known as Toe Biters (for the painful bites they can inflict on swimmers). Their normal diet consists of insects, tadpoles, salamander, small fish, and snails—and they themselves are a popular food in Thailand.
Who knew?