HemipteraBelostomatidae – Giant Water Bugs

Belostoma bakeri

This record describes Belostoma bakeri (species). Recorded family: Belostomatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.

Identification and Appearance

Belostoma bakeri - Belostoma bakeri
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by v belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
Suborder
Heteroptera
Superfamily
Nepoidea
Family
Belostomatidae (Giant Water Bugs)
Subfamily
Belostomatinae
Genus
Belostoma

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

w US (WA‒CA to UT‒LA) & Mexico

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Belostoma bakeri Montandon 1913

About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group

Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Belostoma bakeri. Species-specific details appear above.

Group overview

Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.

Ecological role of the group

Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.

Economic and practical significance of the group

The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.

Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.

Explore Hemiptera families and species →

Photos of Belostoma bakeri (4)

Belostoma bakeri - photo 1
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by v belov
Belostoma bakeri - photo 2
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by v belov
Belostoma bakeri - photo 3
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by v belov
Belostoma bakeri - photo 4
Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by v belov

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Brady Richards; Additional contributions by v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.