Lamia residents and authorities are alarmed after a rare, giant bug was seen outside the City Hall.
Authorities called the animal lovers society for information on the bug that was seen for the first time in the area.
As it turns out, it was the water bug called Lethocerus patruelis, the largest European true bug and the largest European water insect. The adult Lethocerus patruelis can reach an impressive 8 cm in length, and the largest representatives of the same family are even bigger – up to almost 12 cm.
Lethocerus patruelis belongs to the Belostomatidae family. It is called ‘electric light bug’ or ‘toe biter’. These bugs are fierce predators which stalk, capture and feed on small aquatic crustaceans, fish and amphibians.
When the bug strikes, it injects a strong digestive saliva, sucking out the liquefied remains to feed. This powerful hunting tool can give an extremely painful bite; which is considered to be one of the most painful that can be inflicted by any insect, however, it is of no medical significance.
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