Water Stick Insect ©Jack Perks
Water stick insect
The water stick insect looks just like a mantis. An underwater predator, it uses its front legs to catch its prey. Its tail acts as a kind of 'snorkel', so it can breathe in the water. Look for it in ponds and lakes.
Scientific name
Ranatra linearisWhen to see
January to DecemberSpecies information
About
An underwater predator, and a relative of the water scorpion, the water stick Insect hides among reeds and stems in lakes and ponds. Here, it waits, perfectly camouflaged, ready to ambush its prey. It adopts a mantis-like pose when submerged, capturing passing creatures like tadpoles and small fish. Like the water scorpion, the water stick Insect uses its long, thin 'tail' as a siphon for breathing: it protrudes above the water's surface and acts just like a snorkel. Mating occurs in spring and the eggs are laid soon after on floating plants and stems. Nymphs go through a series of moults to reach adulthood.How to identify
The water stick insect has a long, thin, brown body, and a long 'tail'. It resembles a mantis, with long, hooked front legs.Distribution
Found in Central and Southern England, and Wales.In our area
First discovered in Northern Ireland in May 2024 at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve by 8-year-old Kohen Fitzsimmons
Did you know?
During hot summer days, adult water stick insects often leave the pond to hunt in emergent vegetation, or may fly to a new pond.First discovered in Northern Ireland in May 2024 at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve by 8-year-old Kohen Fitzsimmons