Water Scorpion Behavior

Source: Dr. John Morse, Clemson University
Transcript: The shape and color of larvae and adults of water scorpions, family Nepidae, sometimes look like the stems or roots of plant materials on which they are usually found. They are predators, feeding on unsuspecting insect prey that swim too close to the water scorpion. Part of the strategy to avoid being seen is to move very slowly among the plants, only making quick thrusts with their forelegs in order to catch their insect prey. The long tail of this insect is not dangerous, but serves as a respiratory siphon, allowing the water scorpion to breath at the water surface.