Family: Belostomatidae

Giant water bugs are the largest; most robust, aquatic insects found in SK. Adults can reach over 5 cm long. They can usually be found in ponds, dugouts, sheltered areas of lakes, rivers and streams. They are strong fliers and can often be found on streets under lights or in building entrances. They are predatory in all stages. As adults their large size means they can attack tadpoles and fish as well as other aquatic insect larvae.

References:

Brooks A. R. and L. A. Kelton. 1967. Aquatic and semiaquatic Heteroptera of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba (Hemiptera). Mem. Entomol. Soc. Canada 51: 1-92

Clifford, H.F. 1991. Aquatic Invertebrates of Alberta. University of Alberta Press. Edmonton, Alberta.

Mau, H.E.L., R.G. Foottit, K.G.A. Hamilton and G.G.E. Scudder. 2000. Checklist of the Hemiptera of Canada and Alaska. NRC Research Press, Ottawa, ON.

Polhemus, J.T. 2008. Chapter 15: Aquatic and semiaquatic Hemiptera. In. Merritt, R.W., K.W. Cummins, and M.B. Berg. An introduction to the aquatic insects of North America. Fourth Edition. Kendall/Hunt Publ. Co. Dubuque, Iowa.