NEW ARRIVALS TO CYPRUS SHORES
THE GIANT WATER BUG
Whilst this insect, which is huge by conventional standards, is commonplace in other neighbouring countries to Cyprus, it has never been recorded as present on the island until recently. THE CYPRUS WILDLIFE INSTITUTE has recently confirmed that the giant water bug, known scientifically as the Lethocerus Patruelis, now exists in Cyprus, and that it is currently active mainly on the east coast of the island. Studies suggest that it is quite probable that these insects were helped along to the coast of Cyprus by shifting wind and sea patterns.
AT LEAST FOUR INCHES LONG
To date, there are around 150 species of this type of amphibious insect that are found throughout the world. These often aggressive predators are the largest aquatic insect on Earth. \known as the toe-biter, they typically have a flat, elongated body with flattened legs and can measure over 4 inches long in length. They are commonly a variant brown colour, and their head features two large compound eyes that have short antennae, which they tuck under grooves behind their eyes.
AN INSECT WITH NO LUNGS
In the absence of lungs, the giant water bug uses a unique way to breathe oxygen. It uses a series of tiny holes throughout its body, known as spiracles. These deliver oxygen to it directly through air-filled tubes. Air bubbles are carried under their wings, and the spiracles slowly absorb the oxygen from the air bubbles into their body when underwater. When they run out of oxygen, they then tend to flip over and swim on their backs. They then breathe through a short breathing tube, which they retract from their abdomen. This allows them to take in oxygen discreetly from the surface while staying submerged. Another feature of the giant water bug is that, unlike other large insects, it’s the male that usually takes care of fertilised eggs. Once laid, they are then carried on his back until they hatch.
AVID HUNTERS
Giant water bugs are avid hunters. They usually feed on several aquatic arthropods, tadpoles, invertebrates, and other amphibians. Some of the larger bugs have been known to hunt small fish, turtles, water snakes and even birds. A remarkably fast and powerful swimmer, it uses its power and agility to lunge at unsuspecting prey. Its most common hunting technique is to lie motionless at the bottom of a body of water before launching its devastating strike at any passing animal. It then subdues its prey by using its two huge frontal apical claws. Its series of circular beak-like mouthparts, then pierces the body of its prey, injecting its venomous digestive saliva. This breaks down the internal tissue of the animal, and the giant water bug then feeds on the liquefied contents of its prey.
RECENT SIGHTINGS
The giant water bug prefers to avoid human contact and will usually play dead if it encounters any larger entity. Although it usually plays dead, it may still strike, however, and will attack if it is provoked. Although the bug’s saliva is not potent enough to cause any harm to humans, it still produces an extremely painful irritation. Its bite is similar to a bee sting, causing a distinct red mark that will then swell dramatically.
ASIAN CUISINE
A species of giant water bug is a popular delicacy in some parts of Asia. Light is used to attract the insect to large floating traps that are erected across ponds. The giant water bug is then harvested and sold by the kilo to street vendors, who often deep-fry and then skewer them onto a stick after being doused with soy or chilli sauce. They often feature, as a result, in several street food markets across Asia.
