Hobbies And Interests
The Mosquito
Mosquitoes are tiny flying insects with six jointed legs and veined wings. They can usually be found in areas with sluggish water movement. Female mosquitoes lay from 40 to 400 eggs which hatch into larvae, grow into pupae and finally surface from the water as full-grown adults. Adult mosquitoes use a proboscis shaped like a straw to sting and suck liquids like plant nectar and blood, although only females drink blood. This has made them constant problems through human history, as they are carriers of diseases like malaria, dengue and yellow fever.
The Dobsonfly
An adult dobsonfly is long, thin and slightly brownish-gray. It has long wings folded down its back and mandibles, which are big on males and smaller on females. For humans, it is the female's bite that can really sting. A dobsonfly's larvae are known as "hellgrammites." When dobsonfly eggs hatch, they fall into the water and live as larvae under fast-moving stream or river currents. The hellgrammites have strong jaws and hooks in their bellies that they use to catch prey and anchor themselves. They also have the ability to bite humans. Dobsonflies are also sometimes used as bait in fishing and are attracted to light at night.
The Giant Water Bug
The giant water bug grows from 1.5 to 4 inches long and reigns as one of North America's largest insects. It has a mouth that pierces and sucks; a pointed beak under its head; wings forming an X-pattern; and hooked front legs. Giant water bugs live in freshwater streams and ponds with dense vegetation. The larvae eat small aquatic creatures, but adults are "ambush hunters," predators that lie camouflaged then capture tadpoles, small fish or salamanders. The giant water bug is called the "toe-biter," because it delivers a painful sting that causes swelling. It is also the "electric light bug," because it is often found on porches or under street lights.
Giant Diving Beetle
The giant diving beetle is part of a group known as predatory diving beetles. It lives in slow-moving water, preying on toads, salamanders and small fish. Giant diving beetles are black or dark brown, with long, hairy hind legs and powerful mandibles. The larvae, called "water tigers," have big heads and strong jaws like needles that inject digestive enzymes into their victims. Giant diving beetles spend their days underwater, breathing by sticking their rears out the water surface. They fly at night to places with bright lights and though usually harmless, their bites can potentially sting humans.