Water Stick Insect
Ranatra linearis
This record describes Ranatra linearis (species). Recorded family: Nepidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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 mimic a little stick; and with its legs pressed against the body you could easily take it for a piece of old reed. Ponds and lakes with vegetation. Its tail acts as a kind of 'snorkel', so it can breathe in the water. It is a predator of small creatures such as tadpoles and small fish. Most records come from southern and central Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Ranatra linearis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranatra_linearis.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Ponds and lakes with vegetation. Its tail acts as a kind of 'snorkel', so it can breathe in the water.
Seasonal Activity
All year round.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It is a predator of small creatures such as tadpoles and small fish.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Most records come from southern and central Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ranatra linearis. 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 Stick Insect (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Stick Insect
What is Water Stick Insect?
Water Stick Insect (Ranatra linearis) is a species in the family Nepidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Water Stick Insect?
(7 cm including the breathing tube). It relies on camouflage for protection, when threatened it will adopt a stiff and dead posture to mimic a little stick; and with its legs pressed against the body you could easily take it for a piece of old reed.
Where is Water Stick Insect found?
Habitat: Ponds and lakes with vegetation. Its tail acts as a kind of 'snorkel', so it can breathe in the water.
When is Water Stick Insect active?
Water Stick Insect: seasonal activity - All year round..
What is the life cycle of a Water Stick Insect?
It is a predator of small creatures such as tadpoles and small fish.