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Giant Water Bug
AdvancedLethocerus deyrollei
Japan's largest aquatic insect at ~65mm. Captures prey with front legs, injecting digestive fluid. Classified as Vulnerable. Some breeders contribute to conservation through captive breeding.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
18〜28℃
Lifespan
1-3 years
Size
55-68mm
Humidity
60〜90%
Diet
Live prey: medaka, loaches, tadpoles
About
The giant water bug (Lethocerus deyrollei) is the largest aquatic insect in Japan, reaching about 65 mm. A powerful predator, it seizes fish and frogs with raptorial forelegs and injects digestive fluids to consume their body fluids. In Japan it is listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss, and some breeders work on captive propagation for conservation. Husbandry uses an aquarium with sufficient water depth, plus footing and emergent structures for breathing. Live prey such as small fish is offered. Managing water quality and temperature is important, and overcrowding is avoided to prevent cannibalism. It is a valuable aquatic insect emblematic of Japans countryside wetlands.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
Japan and East Asia
Lifespan
1-3 years
Size
55-68mm
Temperature
18〜28℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Diet
Live prey: medaka, loaches, tadpoles
Care Guide
Enclosure
Water depth 10-15cm. Add branches and aquatic plants as footholds
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Lethocerus deyrollei (Vuillefroy, 1864)
Synonyms: Lethocerus deyrollei, Belostoma aberrans Mayr, 1871, Lethocerus deyrollei (Vuillefroy, 1864)
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Domestic law: タガメ Lethocerus deyrollei は2020年2月10日付で種の保存法の「特定第二種国内希少野生動植物種」に指定され、販売・頒布目的の捕獲・譲渡し等が禁止(規制対象は野生個体。環境省レッドリストでは絶滅危惧II類 VU)。CITES には非掲載。
Sources: 環境省 国内希少野生動植物種一覧(種の保存法) / CITES 附属書(checklist.cites.org)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Giant Water Bug Listings
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