Hemiptera19 species

Family Waterscorpions (Nepidae)

Nepidae is a family in the order Hemiptera. Browse 19 named species recorded in this family, or open an individual profile for its available identification and natural-history information.

Species in Nepidae (19)

Nepa apiculata

Identification: Broad body is distinctive in this family in our area

Water Scorpion

Nepa cinerea

The water scorpion is a large, brown, leaf-shaped predatory water bug. The long tail acts as a breathing tube to penetrate the water surface, exactly like a snorkel. Clean well-vegetated ponds and other still or gently flowing water. Feeds on Insects

Ranatra buenoi

Identification: prosternum with wide longitudinal depression

Water Stick Insect

Ranatra linearis

The Water Stick Insect is the largest water insect in the UK and looks like a mantis. It has a 4 cm body length (7 cm including the breathing tube). It relies on camouflage for protection, when threatened it will adopt a stiff and dead posture to mim