Bug and Insect Illustration (Illustrator)
Giant Water Bug (Lethocerus americanus), colored pencil, gouache, and watercolor
Commissioned by: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
About giant water bugs:
Giant waterbugs are also referred to as toe-biters. They are found near freshwater streams and ponds. They eat aquatic crustaceans, insects, snails, fish, tadpoles, and small frogs. They inject prey with toxins that cause paralysis and tissue necrosis.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda (having a segmented body with appendages on each segment)
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Belostomatidae
More about giant water bugs:
Belostomatidae: Giant water bugs
Prints and gifts of my illustrations: GopherPop shop
Giant water bug (Lethocerus americanus), also called toe-biter, is painted in colored pencil, gouache and watercolor for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources by Gina. It lives near freshwater streams and ponds. Strong forelegs, a broad body and folded wings are seen from above, with browns and pale highlights separating the overlapping shapes.