Water Scorpions

Water scorpions are aquatic insects that are found all over the world. They belong to the order Hemiptera (true bugs) and sub-order Heteroptera. The characteristic feature of this order is the long sucking rostrum (beak), that lies in the small head. Water scorpions, are so called, due to their superficial resemblance with the land scorpions; they possess special grasping forelimbs that are similar to the anterior pincers of land scorpions. Also, their elongated siphon resembles the stinging tail of scorpions. However, unlike the tail of land scorpions, the siphon of water scorpions lacks the venomous spine.

There are two common genera of water scorpions, namely, Ranatra genus and Nepa genus. Members of Ranatra are long and stick-like and are often referred to as needle bugs, whereas members of Nepa are broad and leaf-like.

Water Scorpions: Characteristics

Water scorpions are dark brown or blackish-brown in color. They are about one to two inch in length. Water scorpions have two pairs of wings and three pairs of legs. Though, water scorpions are flying insects with well-developed wings, they prefer to walk in the mud or between aquatic plants. Water scorpions are poor swimmers and spend most of their life near the shoreline. They swim by moving their front legs and kicking their middle and hind legs. Water scorpions breathe with the help of a siphon, which is used for obtaining air from the water surface. The siphon, also known as breathing tube, is a structure of two respiratory tubes that are pressed against each other. In case of an immature water scorpion, siphon is not developed and breathing takes place with the help of abdominal spiracles.

Water Scorpions: Habitat

Water scorpions usually live among the stems of aquatic weeds and in the mud of ponds, streams and rivers. Sometimes, they are found under the rocks in a flowing stream. Water scorpions, like most of the other insects, are air breathers. They carry a submerged air bubble for the purpose of breathing under water. In case of air depletion, they come up to the surface for oxygen.

Water Scorpions: Feeding

Water scorpions are carnivores and feed on small fish, tadpoles and other aquatic insects. The most interesting feature of water scorpions is their feeding habit. They hang still with their body upside down, until the prey is within their grasp. Another added advantage of water scorpions is their excellent camouflage, which makes them inconspicuous to their prey. Usually, they hide among the plant debris to ambush their prey. Once a prey approaches, a water scorpion seizes it with hind legs. It then injects a digestive enzyme in the prey and sucks out the body fluids, leaving behind an empty shell.

Water Scorpions: Breeding

Mostly, water scorpions breed in spring. They produce only one brood per year. Female water scorpions lay eggs among the leaf debris or in the stem of aquatic vegetation. Each of the eggs are provided with seven long filaments at one end. The eggs cling to each other with the help of these filaments and form long chains. Some of the species lay their eggs on the back of the male water scorpion. During the process, the female secretes a waterproof glue that helps in fixing the eggs. The male then looks after the eggs, till they hatch. After about three weeks, the eggs hatch into 'nymphs' (larval stage). The nymphs are similar to the adult water scorpions, except for their size and lack of wings. The nymphs pass five molts (shedding of exoskeleton) till maturation.

The water scorpion's sting is very painful, so they should be handled carefully. However, its sting is not as poisonous as that of a land scorpion.