Water Scorpion
Nepa cinerea
This record describes Nepa cinerea (species). Recorded family: Nepidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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, tadpoles and small fish. It conceals itself in weed and grabs passing prey with its pincer-like front legs. The female lays eggs in the stems of plants under water. Widely distributed in Britain, but commoner in the south.
Wikipedia reference for Nepa cinerea: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepa_cinerea.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Clean well-vegetated ponds and other still or gently flowing water.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Feeds on Insects, tadpoles and small fish. It conceals itself in weed and grabs passing prey with its pincer-like front legs. The female lays eggs in the stems of plants under water.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widely distributed in Britain, but commoner in the south.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Nepa cinerea. 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 Water Scorpion (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Scorpion
What is Water Scorpion?
Water Scorpion (Nepa cinerea) is a species in the family Nepidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Water Scorpion found?
Habitat: Clean well-vegetated ponds and other still or gently flowing water.
What is the life cycle of a Water Scorpion?
Feeds on Insects, tadpoles and small fish. It conceals itself in weed and grabs passing prey with its pincer-like front legs. The female lays eggs in the stems of plants under water.