Giant water bug

Giant water bug, Lethocerus insulanus, IMG 9185 - This highly efficient predator is a true giant of the insect world, for it can grow up to 70mms in length.

It enjoys a semi-aquatic lifestyle, and spends much of its time in freshwater lakes and in the tranquil waters of wetlands where it catches its prey with a minimum of effort. Using the two tubes at its abdomen as a built-in snorkel, it can breathe while underwater where it actively hunts for prey, or simply hangs upside down on the submerged stem of a plant and waits for a prospective victim to come within reach of its strong forelegs.

Winged adults can fly for considerable distances to reach suitable feeding areas, and while they vanish from sight when they dive into water to hunt for food, they're also attracted to bright lights, and are frequently seen on the ground beneath street lights and in other well lit areas.