Uhler's Water Bug
Lethocerus uhleri
This record describes Lethocerus uhleri (species). Recorded family: Belostomatidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
middle and hind legs distinctly banded; interocular space not over three-fourths width of eye; costal margin almost straight and subparallel very common species, because of dispersal flights
Wikipedia reference for Lethocerus uhleri: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lethocerus_uhleri.
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
- Lethocerinae
- Genus
- Lethocerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (MA-FL to so.ON-IA-e.TX) to Yucatan peninsula, Mex. - Map , most common Lethocerus in FL
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Lethocerus uhleri. 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.
Photos of Uhler's Water Bug (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , David Ferguson , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Uhler's Water Bug
What is Uhler's Water Bug?
Uhler's Water Bug (Lethocerus uhleri) is a species in the family Belostomatidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Uhler's Water Bug?
♂ 42-53 mm, ♀ 46-55 mm
How do you identify Uhler's Water Bug?
middle and hind legs distinctly banded; interocular space not over three-fourths width of eye; costal margin almost straight and subparallel
Where is Uhler's Water Bug found?
Range: e. US (MA-FL to so.ON-IA-e.TX) to Yucatan peninsula, Mex. - Map , most common Lethocerus in FL