Don't Go Chasing Water Bugs | Deep Look
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 มิ.ย. 2022
- Giant water bugs - aka "toe-biters" - pack one of the most painful bites of any insect. But they make the best dads ever. Rather than leaving the survival of his eggs to chance, dad will haul them around piggyback style for weeks, until they hatch right off his back.
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This summer, as you cool your bare feet in a stream somewhere in California - or almost anywhere in the world, really - you might feel a painful nip. The menacing culprit: a giant water bug.
Lurking just below the surface of that flowing creek or refreshing pond, these bugs resemble enormous aquatic ticks, with googly eyes and praying mantis arms. And although they won’t seek you out for an attack, they also won’t hesitate to take a defensive bite if you get too close, earning them the nickname “toe-biters.”
They puncture the skin with dagger-like mouth parts and have a bite known as one of the most painful of any insect - sharp and stinging like a wasp’s. You may not even get a chance to spot the offending insect before it dashes off, but you’ll undoubtedly be left with an indelible impression. And a swollen, throbbing toe.
--- What do giant water bugs eat?
Giant water bugs are voracious predators that will take down any small animals they can subdue. They have a long needle-like mouth and their bite contains a cocktail of chemicals that paralyzes their prey and digests their tissues. Then the giant water bugs slurp up its meal. Giant water bugs hunt other insects, tadpoles and frogs, small fish, and even the occasional duckling.
--- How do giant water bugs breathe?
Giant water bugs spend their lives in freshwater, but they must return to the surface to breathe. Giant water bugs have two little air straps that protrude from their backside. The air straps work like a snorkel to pull air into a bubble trapped under their wings.
--- What do giant water bugs taste like?
In Southeast Asia giant water bugs are sometimes eaten as a regional delicacy. Like other arthropods, giant water bugs are said to taste a bit like shrimp with a slightly sweet flavor.
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To think that, the fathers spend alot of their effort caring for the eggs and giving them oxygen, and the baby nympths that hatch can just be eaten 💀
That’s what I was thinking! Lol but maybe they only eat a few or the sickly ones for all of the trouble they went through.
"I may have cared for you but do not think that I love you"
Bug Man, 2022
"Once you are out of this house you are on your own"
"Leave, or I will feast on you youngling! This is the way."
He was raising his snack for later
The most caring dad in the insect world!
Also:
The baby has to sneak away cause these dads are known to eat their young!
IKR?
The ultimate "you're on your own now kid"
That's how you know the bar is literally below ground level
A lot of animals cannibalize their young almost immediately after birth if they're stressed.
Mice, pigs, and scorpions for certain.
@@chara98dreemurr43 more like water level
I forgot what it's name was but there's this species of cockroach that eats dead leaves or something. What's special about them is that both parents care for their little cockroach babies. Guarding them, and bringing them leaves for food for several months. Parental care as extensive as this in the insect world is just so fascinating and uncommon.
I think its called hissing cockroach
@@mg-zg4go It was indeed a type of hissing cockroach but I forgot what specific species. These parent cockroaches staying in close contact with their offspring was quite a special behavior. I just can't remember what video it was that I saw this.
@@al6243 i saw the video,too. They make a burrow where the young life and care for them for month
That's most cockroach species, actually.
Giant burrowing cockroach
It all starts adding up near the end where you find out he's taking care of the eggs specifically because he wants to eat the contents. Very clever little bug.
these insect has a sting that's more potent than any bee that stung me before. but unlike bees the sting from it wont give you swelling. its just pure searing pain.
Sorry that you have experienced its bite. Ouch!
@@KQEDDeepLook I had to relocate one once when I discovered one in my fish tank. even though they're aquatic insect, I think they can still fly and seek bodies of water. that's probably how one end up in my tank.
Makes me wonder if I would rather experience pain with no damage, or damage with no pain.
@@WanderTheNomad definitely the first. Without damage the pain is temporary. Damage often last a while and they would cause pain during that time.
Plus, damage without pain is dangerous. You'd never know if there is something wrong with you and the next thing you know, you'd close to death.
I got stung by one when I was a kid. Comparable to the fire ants stings I got about a week later.
Twasn't the best summer
Narrator: Caring and nurturing like this by a dad is almost unheard of.
Also Narrator: Giant water bug dads are fearsome predators that are known to eat their own babies.
(Words were cut short for convenience)
🤣
Are you suggesting that dads of other species might be more likely to stick around if the offspring were a little more ....tasty?
women
@@ikhbjhbkm5 🤣
Well to be fair, Gerbil Mothers can also do this too…
Only Deep Look can turn a story about a terrifying-looking bug into something heartwarming and, dare I say, endearing.
endareing
The layers of instincts for that species to continue is wild. Water music, post mating egg reception , oxygen management,
They are the most responsible dads in the insect world, wow. Lesson learned, don't mess with water bugs. Thanks Deep Look.
You are welcome RJ!
Until they eat their babies
Most responsible dads, yet they still eat their kids sometimes. Not sure how I feel about that.
@@Onihikage Gerbil Mothers also eat their young. A lot more animals than you think cannibalize their young.
@@Onihikage Also Idk if this is true but it is possible that because of the dimorphism or maybe bad eyesight? (I do not know if their eyesight is good or not) between the adult and baby that the adult mistakes the baby for prey
I've got one of these fellas living in my terrarium, they're about 2 years old now and they keep my guppy population under control, it's like a sea monster in the tank, they're so big!
Really cool seeing that they are amazing parents too
Umm you should def provide a video of that for us!!
Are these not the same bugs that eat their own children?
errr as amazing as a crab really.
How big are they??
up to 3 inches / 8 cm in length.
I can't stomach bugs sometimes but I still watch I'm so effed up lol
Beautiful AND creepy.
Same, I always have my hand ready to block the screen in case there’s too much of a close up.
0:42 if only it was that easy to humans xd
😂
it is, but for women
Dont go chasing waterbugs
Please stick to the other bugs and insects your used to
We all know that the bugs are gona mate or do nothing at all
But i think the nymphs will grow fast🎵
YES
OMG YES. i saw the title and immediately could hear it.
Darn it. I knew someone already would have thought of this.
Perfect lol
@@bipbiplechuga2286 😅
I would love to learn the behind the scenes how these videos are made. incredible content.
duh, insect actors obviously
They have a personal tank and make the environment as close as the real thing to get those shots
@@clintshidwood4511 so true! have you guys not seen the “a bug’s life” bloopers? that’s how the magic happens come on
They are made by filming and editing.
CGI obviously
How did I get here?
😂
The Water Bug: Proud owner of both #1 dad and worst dad mugs
THE TITLE 😂 GENIUS!
LOL! Ikr? Just another reason I love this channel. 🚫💧🏃🏻♀️
Please stick to the other bugs and insects your used to🎵😉
@@ace-paidinfull5240 😄👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I am both amazed and a bit disgusted at the same time... Anyways, great video!
Our work here is done
Me whole video- awwwwww
2:55- whelp, reality just set back in.
Anyone else notice the play on words of the title that's almost like TLC's "Don't go chasing waterfalls?" I love it!
LOL I was up here singing:
DON’T GO CHASING WATER BUGS
PLEASE STICK TO THE ROACHES AND THE ANTS THAT YOU’RE USED TO
I did too
1:24 Poor little guy on the right! 😉 Great video, thank you.
Thanks for watching!
3:21 The shape of their eyes makes it look like they are grinning as they suck the life out of the prey. 😅
That's what I was thinking too!
Loved this. It would be great to see you guys do a video about the harvestman species that provide paternal care, too.
So... seems that the more eggs you have, the more of a chad you are in the water bug world.
Male water bug is the baby daddy of the year 💀
😀😀😁😅😅
What happens to the "eggshells" left on its back? Does they dissolve, or wear off?
I would suspect they don't live long enough for that to be an issue
Made me want to grab a pair of tweezers and pick off the hatched sacs.
I think they'd just stay there until the next molt
According to Elyse DeFranco, who worked with us on this story the male uses his legs to scrape the egg casings off after they’ve hatched. He even does this occasionally before they’ve hatched, but researchers don’t yet know why. It may be when the eggs aren’t viable or there aren’t enough of them to make all of his work worth it.
@@KQEDDeepLook Or maybe he wants to get more space for more...action. :x
0:58 I have PTSD now :)
Would make an amazing water/bug pokémon! Thanks for the amazing work Deep Look as always.
No no, Pokemon isn't supposed to be this scary.
Its actually very cute and sweet how they know when to surface to give the baby bugs some fresh breathing air. The nymph cannibalism? Not so much.
I was lookin for someone who comments something "cute" about them but you stated a point so I won't uh "antagonize" you by bad mouthing you.
@@katero1511 please dont antagonize people just because they like things.
Unmatched quality and narration, awesome vid!
Much appreciated!
I love using a deep look to get inspiration for my biology assignments. Thanks!
It is so interesting how each species does things a bit different.
I thought the sea horse was the only one who did this.
Nature is incredible it never ceases to amaze me!😃
It looks like their eyes are dimpled by smiles and honestly I love it
"Don't go chasing water bugs, please stick to the gators and the snakes that you're used too" 🎶
I love this channel
Accurate, and easy to understand In just 3-5 minutes
Keep it on 👍👍
When you started, your videos were amazing, now we don't have words to describe how great it is ! And that is why I gave money on your Patreon .
Thank you so much 😀
Yay! A video on my absolute favorite group of insects ever! I freaking love belostomatids ❤️
So glad, Carlos!
Thanks for making a video about water bugs!
don't go chasing water bugs, please stick to the ants and the beetles that you're used to
It really made me feel old to see how many people here did not get that reference
Haha nice! 😁
nature is scary and amazing at the same time
Does anyone know what happens to the eggshells after they hatch? Like, will those things stick to the dad forever? or will it eventually fall off naturally?
Great question - we will try to find out.
@@KQEDDeepLook Sorry if I’m being impatient but, have you found out yet?
Not yet! We will want to do some research.
The male uses his legs to scrape the egg casings off after they’ve hatched. He even does this occasionally before they’ve hatched, but researchers don’t yet know why. It may be when the eggs aren’t viable or there aren’t enough of them to make all of his work worth it.
Hey Elyse! I was just about to reach out and ask you this question. :-) Thank you.
The editing was done perfectly.
Water bugs are interesting but seeing the eggs on the back makes my skin crawl! Still awesome though it’s nature! 👍🏻😁
Another amazing video!!! Good work DeepLook! 🌿💚 Come to think of it, these water bugs kind of look like mini flat crabs
Yes they do! And you are most welcome!
Is that why it's considered a delicacy in South East Asia (Thailand)?
They are indeed a popular snack.
@@frostincubus4045 😳🪲🦗🪳🙀
First half of the video : they are the most responsible dads
Second half : they also eat their youngs if not careful
Welp, they got us in the first half,NGL…
thats proper parenting if ive ever seen one.
Laura is such a calm narrator ❤️
Their eyes make them look so satisfied with themselves.
Definitely some of the best content on TH-cam!
If you guys are looking for ideas on videos maybe you could do one on those spiders that mimic/look like ants like Myrmarachne Formicaria
Cool idea, Dave, thank you.
@@KQEDDeepLook Thank you for always entertaining me with you informative videos!
@@KQEDDeepLook A deep peep video on insect mimicry would be awesome.. Along with the ant mimicking spider I find the Scorpion fly and mantid fly cool.
So... what you're saying is: Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to?
FINALLY
Insects are getting more action than me 😂😂😂
I heard in Vietnam, they extracted gland to get the special fluid in it for mixing with fish sauce, delicacy fish sauce for soft rice plates.
Great power comes great responsibility
Great eggs comes great heavy back
Amazing content as usual! Thumbs up! 👍🏾
Thanks for the visit
I'm always love this channel... with all what can i learn from animal,and plant
Everyone: enjoying the video
Me: The eggs has trypophobia…!
I came in early this time! Time to learn a thing or two about water bugs.
I love your videos, they're very entertaining can't wait until the next episode :D
Glad you like them!
Amazing video and nice commentary. Thank you!
Awesome quality of these impressions
I went to a daycamp when I was around 8 at some random lake. A kid found one of these things in the water and everyone's little minds were totally BLOWN. For years I remember describing the thing to people without knowing what it was.
Thank you so much for all your videos on bugs! I'm an arthropod enthusiast and love seeing people be nerds about bugs too.
You are so welcome! You're in good company here. A true Deep Peep! 🕳️👀
@@KQEDDeepLook 🕳️👀
Freaking insects give goosebumps due to germs and parasites they carry.
The air straps are convenient with the eggs needing air.
Love you, and may God bless!
Awesome work! Would be cool to know how big they get. Hard to put into perspective
I already knew alot of this insect besides them taking care of their young. Thanks for a great informative video and I hope to see another one soon 👍.
My nightmares needed more kindling, thank you.
There eyes make it look like there always happy. Imagine being liquified from the inside and the last thing you see is “😊”
Their bite is extremely painful to human, still have me on edge yes. "Toe Biters", who would have thought. 🙁😬
Good morning everyone..i am ready for my mind to be messed up again from this channel. Everyone please stay safe and blessed much love from San Antonio
See i knew it. 😂 😂 😂.
Welcome back DeShawn!
Can we just give a moment for the title of the video? Great reference. I learned a lot today about water bugs!
The way their eyes are shaped they just look super giddy and stoked.
Love your chennal ❤.......... So informative , interesting ...... And voice is so clear ❤.......
as a kid i was catching frogs in a murky very tiny little pond. it wasnt even a pond it was just a small watering hole no bigger than 2x2ft. the frogs would burrow into the mud and i once by mistake pulled out one of these instead thinking it was a frog. i kid you not, that thing was enormous. not just because of my tiny child hands at the time but it was objectively huge. as soon as i realized it wasnt a frog i threw it back in immediately and never spoke about it with anyone. this memory stuck with me for 30 years.and as time went by i started dismissing it as something i just imagined and didnt even happen. only a few years ago i discovered these things actually do exist and realize what it was that i caught back then. its a miracle it didnt sting me
Eating cereal as "fly milk" enters my brain... Wonderful😂
So basically, it's their mom who buys milk at the grocery.
I wish i had a father like that. :(
I was just about to go chase one
NO DON'T
Cricket: AAAHH HELP, I CANT SWI- AAHHBBRBLEBRLEBRLE.
Water bug: aah what a fine meal
Love the TLC reference on the title! You guys must be proud
Fun fact, these bugs are caught and eaten in Thailand. They were so popular that now they've become very hard to find and are kind of a delicacy.
As for the taste... It's amazing. I think they're pickled in soy or fish sause or something and it's salty but with a very deep and savory and totally unique flavor that leaves a memorable aftertaste.
We definitely need to bring a lot of Thais, these things are pests, they are very easily found in swimming pools.
@@ricky0738 All you need to do is learn the recipes. I'm sure your fams will love it after you cut it in pieces and they will have no idea what kind of meat is this
I love their eyes, they look like they're always squeeing.
That said, would definitely not want to be bitten by one, because yikes.
I also love how responsible it is of a dad but will also eat their own young. What a contradiction.
I have a giant water bug just chilling in my Animal Crossing house. I didn't know they were such good dads! 😊
Doing great, Lesley!
As a dad myself I can confirm that we never care for our offspring. This insect is truly remarkable!
Amazed by the photography!
Very cool, and a TLC pun? LOVE IT. Hahah 💚
That's terrifying. And those egg at it's back giving me nightmare! Remind me of those frogs with a hole in their back
Hehe that baby looked like it was smiling❤ great video
Love the Tlc water falls reference 😂😂😭😭😭
Bullet ant: This Fight Will Be Legendary
Dad: Most caring
Also : Eats its own offspring
Always a pleasure to see! Usually found around a street light.
Wow... !!! My best friend, It's always great. We liked and enjoyed to the end. Thanks
Water bugs: Best dad in the whole insect world.
Also water bugs: Eats their own child.
The music in these videos is always so brilliant! Do you have a channel for the compositions made for these videos? I love your videos Deep Look, I watch new ones the second they come around!
Interesting facts as always!
Pls do about the rice weevils next!
So this is an inspiration for the Swarm Hosts.
Cool.
“Don’t go chasing water bugs”, nice reference🤣
Love the title!!!!