Nepidae

Pronunciation:  [NEP·i·dae]

Common Name:  Water scorpions

Description:  Water scorpions are underwater predators with mantid-like front legs adapted for catching prey.  Their long cerci interlock to form a breathing tube (snorkel) that maintains contact with air at the water surface.   They typically hang on submerged vegetation and grab prey opportunistically.

Spot ID Key Characters:

1. Raptorial front legs
2. Caudal breathing tube formed by cerci
3. All legs long and slender

Return To:

Order:  Hemiptera, suborder Heteroptera