Belostoma flumineum

Description

Belostoma flumineum is a North American species of giant water bug (family Belostomatidae). They are a common predator in ponds and wetlands. They are relatively large, reaching 2–2.5 cm (0.79–0.98 in) in length. As with other species of the Belostomatidae family, the fathers take care of the offspring. Exclusive paternal care has been the focus of many studies done on this species. Other studies have been done on food webs and predation pressure using this species because they are an apex predator (among invertebrates) in their preferred habitats.