Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Find their habitat. As the name suggests, water bugs live in or near water, namely standing or slow moving water throughout the United States and Canada. Especially keep watch during early autumn, when water bugs lurk around at night looking for deeper water in which to spend the winter. They prefer bodies of water with a bit of vegetation, such as reeds onto which they hang.
Keep an eye out for their size, shape and color. Water bugs average at least 1 and one-half inches in length, with the largest measuring up to 3 inches. They are reddish brown with a round, armored back. People sometimes think giant water bugs are beetles or cockroaches, according to Edu Webs, because of their similarities at a glance.
Examine their legs and head. Look for a front set of legs that curve forward toward their heads, not unlike a pair of arms. The front legs are outfitted with a small hook on the ends, which allows giant water bugs to cling onto foliage and capture their prey. The other four legs are straight; all six legs have bendable joints. Check for a sharp, triangular-shaped beak at the front of the head and a straw-like snorkel through which they can breathe while under water.
Check their wings. When folded on their backs, the giant water bug's wings form a pattern that resembles the letter X just above the rear end.