Water Scorpion

colour photo of a long thin bug with stick life legs in water ona red surface

Water Scorpion

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Hemiptera

Family: Nepidae

While the name might seem intimidating, people generally have nothing to fear from water scorpions! The “tail” is not a stinger but two half-tube structures that can be locked together. These insects can then use it like a snorkel, sticking it above the water to carry air to their abdomens. Just imagine having built-in snorkeling gear!