Subject: Identify this insect
Location: Gunacaste. Costa Rica
February 16, 2016 2:43 pm
I found 2 of these in a pool in Costa Rica
Signature: Gary C
Dear Gary,
Because of its reported painful bite, the aquatic, predator you discovered is known as a Water Scorpion. Water Scorpions stalk prey by crawling through aquatic plants, and adults are capable of flying, meaning they can seek a new pond if one dries out.
Thank you
I will let the locals know as they had no idea when the guy picked it up it stung him with the tail.
Gary c
Water Scorpions do NOT sting. They bite with a piercing mouth designed to suck fluids from the body of prey. What you have mistaken for a stinger is actually a breathing tube that acts kind of like a snorkel.