Belostoma

The morphology and the behaviour of giant water bugs of the genus Belostoma is very similar to those of the genus Lethocerus and Abedus, which all belong to the family of the Belostomatidae. They also show breeding habits similar to those of the family of the Belostomatidae. They show paternal care. The males are carrying the eggs cemented on theirs backs, that are placed there by the females. The males carry them until the nymphs hatch.[5]

Bugs of the genus Belostoma prefer lentic habitats with submerged or emergent vegetation and for overwintering the adults fly to ponds and slow moving waters. During the springtime and the early summer they often fly to electric light sources, so they are also named "electric light bugs".[6] The life circle contains one generation a year. The length of the bodies is between 15 and 41,5mm.[7]

Nymphs and adults are predators eating fish, amphians, snails and invertebrates. Sometimes small turtles and snakes also may be their prey. They stalk their prey by hanging head-downwards under the water surface striking it using the rostrum and injecting digestive saliva. The sting of these bugs may be very painful but it is harmless, but because of that fact these bugs are also called "toe biters".[5][7] Encountered by larger animals they often play dead. Giant water bugs sometimes are eaten by crocodilia such as young alligators.[8]

The following species belong to the genus Belostoma: ^{i c g b}

Data sources: i = ITIS,[9] c = Catalogue of Life,[10] g = GBIF,[11] b = Bugguide.net[12]

• "Fishkiller" . New International Encyclopedia. 1905.