N for Nepidae: Waterscorpion

Today I have two posts prepared for you today! Why? Because I'm crazy. Also, because my initial idea for an N post was pretty gross and frankly, I don't want to end up with negative followers. I don't think it was that bad, but I'm usually in the minority on these things, therefore, I decided to write up a second post. So here you have it, Nepidae, the Waterscorpion. Those of you that are not of the squeamish variety and interested in reading my original post you can get to it by clicking here. But you have been warned. I don't want to read in the comment box how it's my fault you lost your breakfast all over the keyboard and have been paining to pick out the chunks. (yes, it's late. I shouldn't be allowed to write posts at night when I'm tired).

Fun Facts:

1) Nepidae is a family of aquatic insects in the order Hemiptera. They are commonly called waterscorpions for their slight resemblance to land scorpions and are typically found in still freshwater ponds and lakes.


2) Nepidae have raptorial forelegs and a long slender breathing tube composed of two filaments at the tip of their abdomen.

3) Watersocrpions are predacious and use a lie and wait strategey for capturing prey. They lurk motionless, close to the surface, head down, clinging to pond weeds or other debris waiting for prey to swim by. Periodically, they will back up to the water surface to replenish air.

4) Nepidae feed on other small aquatic insects, crustaceans such as freshwater shrimp and even small fish.

Well, there you have it. Now, who wants to go skinny dipping in the pond?