Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Water scorpion

Water scorpion

Nepa cinerea

A species of Water scorpions

The water scorpion (Nepa cinerea) closely resembles a land scorpion due to its claw-like front legs and long, whip-like structure on its backside. Its "tail" is made up of respiratory tubes, which can extend above the water's surface to breathe air. The bite of a water scorpion is painful to humans, but not as harmful as a land scorpion's sting.

Bite Animals
Bite Animals
General Info About Water scorpion
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Water scorpion
Colors
Brown
Black
Gray
Habitat
pond; river; stagnant water
Adult Food Sources
Aquatic insects, small fish, amphibian larvae, aquatic crustaceans, worms
Larva Food Source
Small aquatic insects, larvae of other insects, tadpoles, small fish, aquatic crustaceans
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Water scorpion is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Water scorpion typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
Biting animal or pet
Yes
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Water scorpion
It is found in most of Europe, including the British Isles, as well as North Africa and southern and northern Asia.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Water scorpion
Most of Europe, North Africa, southern and northern Asia
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Water scorpion
Egg Water scorpion's development begins as eggs that are often laid in clusters. The eggs are typically small and may be attached to underwater vegetation. At this stage, water scorpion is immobile and exhibits no visible limbs or antennae.
Nymph Upon hatching, the nymphs resemble miniature adults but without fully developed wings. The size of water scorpion gradually increases after successive molts. Nymphs become more adept at hunting and can often be seen near water surfaces.
Adult The adult water scorpion boasts well-developed wings that are usually held flat on the back when not in flight. Distinctive coloration patterns emerge, allowing for better camouflage or mating displays. Adults focus on reproduction and may exhibit more territorial behavior.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Water scorpion
6 - 8 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Water scorpion Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, jumping spiders, mantises
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Water scorpion
Birds, monkeys, frogs, spiders, fish
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Water scorpion
Some water scorpion species utilize a snorkel-like tube for breathing while submerged, allowing them to stay underwater for extended durations.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Water scorpion
Tips for Finding Water scorpion
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Water scorpion
Freshwater Habitats
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Water scorpion
Freshwater Habitats
Rectangle
How Can You Attract Water scorpion
Since water scorpion are aquatic insects, trap foods might include small aquatic invertebrates or artificial baits that mimic their natural prey.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Water scorpion Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of water scorpion are typically deposited on aquatic plants or debris near the water's surface. Nymphs reside underwater, often attached to vegetation or substrate, where they can access prey and remain concealed from predators. To find them, one would search beneath the surface, scanning the bases of aquatic plants or stones. Adult water scorpion also prefer aquatic environments but may occasionally be found on land near water bodies. One might look for adults on the emergent vegetation or detritus at water edges during their brief forays out of the water.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Water scorpion
The best time to find water scorpion is typically during warmer months when they are most active in their aquatic environments.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Water scorpion
Calm, warm weather is suitable for finding water scorpion as they may be more visible and active at the water's surface.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Water scorpion at Different Life Stages
Egg Water scorpion eggs are usually laid on submerged vegetation in water. Look for their eggs by inspecting the stems and leaves of aquatic plants.
Nymph Water scorpion nymphs inhabit water bodies and can be observed by carefully examining the water near aquatic plants or within pond substrates using a net to sift through the material.
Adult Adult water scorpion can be found near or on the surface of calm water bodies such as ponds or slow-moving streams. They may be spotted resting on floating debris or vegetation, or captured using a light trap at night.
Are Water scorpion harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Water scorpion
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Icon toxic for
Bite Animals
Rectangle
Bite Animals

Water scorpion uses its piercing mouthparts primarily to capture and feed on prey, often hiding and ambushing unsuspecting victims in aquatic environments. Its bite is an essential part of survival, allowing it to consume necessary nutrients.

Rectangle
Hurt Plant

The 'water scorpion' impacts various plant structures at both adult and nymph stages by feeding. It targets roots, stems, leaves, and seeds, sucking out plant fluids which can range from causing mild to severe damage, potentially leading to stunted growth and reduced vigor in host plants.

More Effects of Water scorpion

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow