NO. 044
True bugs
Water strider
Very long middle and hind legs
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NO. 043
Illustration · not shown at life size
Illustration · not shown at life sizeTrue bugs / Insect
Giant water bug
Lethocerus spp. · genus group
Grabbing front legs and swimming back legs belong to this pond hunter. Look without picking it up.
Let’s look closerLittle clues
Three things to notice.
Grasping front legs.
Flattened swimming legs.
Large individuals can eat tadpoles.
Out in the world
Where to look.
Around southeastern Wisconsin
Ponds and occasional lights.
When to look
Look in freshwater habitats. Adults sometimes fly to lights at night.
Look without touching. Giant water bugs can bite.
A closer look
One clue is just the start.
This is a true bug that lives in water. Look without handling it: its strong beak can give a painful bite.
A special find can be hard to spot without being biologically rare. Encounters depend on season and habitat.
Keep exploring
Meet the neighbors.
For curious grownups, too
Read a little further.
Original summaries, with references for deeper reading.
Make a bug slide
Artwork & downloads.
- Original artworkUnmodified source PNG
- Transparent front PNG76.2 mm canvas · opaque white labels on a clear background
- Editable front SVGLarger backed labels · one fact · embedded illustration
- Reverse QR SVGConfirmed permanent destination · white backing
- Reverse QR PNGConfirmed permanent destination · white backing
Front artwork is made for a 3-inch clear disc. Revised artwork still needs a physical check. Reverse QR files use the confirmed permanent website.
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