Water Scorpion Care & Natural History

[bronxzoofrank]

Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a herpetologist, zoologist, and book author, recently retired from a career spent at several zoos, aquariums, and museums, including over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo. Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Over the past several months, I’ve spent much time collecting aquatic insects with my nephew, who is quite the intense little naturalist (please see photos – I’m having as much fun as he!). In addition to our usual haul of backswimmers, predacious diving beetles, dragonfly larvae and the like, this season I was pleased to find a healthy population of Brown Water Scorpions (Ranatra fusca). Combining characteristics of mantids, walking sticks and scorpions, all modified for life underwater, these amazing creatures are simple to keep and fascinating to get to know. Read the rest of this article here http://bit.ly/VpkP4Z

Please also check out my posts on Twitter http://bitly.com/JP27Nj and Facebook http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with: http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp

Best Regards, Frank

 

[RomanBuck]

Do they have venom like scorpions do?

 

[Cariblatta lutea]

Do they have venom like scorpions do?

They can potentially inject venom to you through their proboscis, but the venom itself is not dangerous to humans.

 

[RomanBuck]

ah I thought they were just creepy but never thought they were venomous! thats actually really cool!

 

[bronxzoofrank]

They can potentially inject venom to you through their proboscis, but the venom itself is not dangerous to humans.

Thanks...yes, a venom that affects insects, small fishes etc...painful but not dangerous to us; I've not heard of allergic reactions, but always possible..best, frank

 

[rockpython]

I have never seen on here in Minnesota. Is there any "special" places they hang out? Are they strictly water bound or are they similar to water bugs in their ability to move from a body of water to another via flight?

 

[RomanBuck]

My history teacher has caught them in the local lakes and rivers such as mississippi river and vermilion river, I find them in ponds near my house never wanted to touch them as they are really creepy.....

 

[bronxzoofrank]

I have never seen on here in Minnesota. Is there any "special" places they hang out? Are they strictly water bound or are they similar to water bugs in their ability to move from a body of water to another via flight?

They are always among aquatic plants or emergent vegetation..I've only found them by seining...just about impossible to see otherwise (as in much harder than terrestrial walking sticks!). They can fly, but I've only heard of them being found away from water twice...don't seem to fly as often as giant water bugs, etc. Thanks for your interest, frank

 

[rockpython]

Thanks for your responses!

 

[bronxzoofrank]

Thanks for your responses!

My pleasure, thanks for your interest, enjoy, frank