The giant water bug, a large and potentially uncomfortable predator, has actually been identified for the very first time in Cyprus, sparking interest and examination by researchers. This finding highlights Cypruss abundant biodiversity and highlights the significance of resident science in keeping an eye on ecological modifications and species migrations. Credit: Hadjiconstantis et al.Cyprus, known for its spectacular, sun-kissed coasts, stands as a Mediterranean biodiversity sanctuary. Its the islands picturesque beaches, rather than its abundant insect life, that generally record attention. However, the eager eyes and curiosity of some beachgoers have actually offered crucial information about a species never tape-recorded before on the island: the huge water bug, likewise called a toe biter.Scientists Michael Hadjiconstantis from the Association for the Protection of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity of Cyprus, Iakovos Tziortzis from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus, and Kadir Bogaç Kunt from the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute collected information and specimens from an increasing variety of records of the giant water bug on the east shoreline of the island in late spring and summer season of 2020 and 2021. The types, understood for inhabiting ponds and slowly moving freshwaters, had never ever been tape-recorded on the island in the past, although recognized populations are understood in nearby Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Israel.The Giant Water Bug: A Formidable PredatorAlso referred to as the Electric light bug, this giant water bug is referred to as a vicious hunter, praying on invertebrates, fish, turtles, and even birds. What is even scarier is that, as the biggest European true bug and the largest European water pest, determining up to 12 cm, it has a credibility for causing really agonizing bites when handled carelessly.Its look, primarily on the eastern seaside front of the island, was initially taped by swimmers, who were amazed by the fearsome appearances and size of the bug. They either directly contacted the specialists or released videos and pictures online, generally on Facebook groups related to biodiversity. The authors collected some of the specimens for further study.They likewise proceeded with a substantial online search on pertinent online observation platforms (i.e. iNaturalist) in order to track any other reports of the species on the island. In addition, they tested neighboring wetlands, however did not find the bug. End to end, an overall of 7 sightings were ultimately recorded: five from social networks and 2 after direct interaction with the author team.Two specimens were obtained and examined morphologically to confirm the species. The observations were taped in a research article in the open-access journal Travaux du Muséum National dHistoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa”. Having in mind that the toe biter is an iconic types accompanied by creepy stories concerning its encounters with humans, the authors assume that it is unlikely that it had gone undetected for too long. They consider it possible that numerous migration occasions might have been triggered in a brief duration of time by close-by nations hosting the species, such as Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. The specimens might have been moved by wind or sea currents, as assumed by other scientists, or might have been driven by a decline in food resources in their initial location of distribution.Despite the number of recordings in a short timeframe, no conclusions can be drawn for the minute on the establishment of a population of the types on the island. This is even more to be investigated, and as the initial recording of the types, resident science can have an essential function in this. The authors urge the public to be alert: “Naturalists trying to find alien-like critters can supply valuable info on the existence and a possible establishment of the types through person science.” Up until then, they alert: “Cypriots need to keep their eyes open and their toes out of the water.” Reference: “On the value of citizen-science: very first records of the Giant water bug Lethocerus patruelis (Hemiptera, Belostomatidae) in Cyprus” by Michael Hadjiconstantis, Iakovos Tziortzis and Kadir Bogaç Kunt, 31 December 2023, Travaux du Muséum National dHistoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa”. DOI: 10.3897/ travaux.66. e94457.
The eager eyes and interest of some beachgoers have actually supplied crucial information about a species never ever tape-recorded before on the island: the giant water bug, likewise known as a toe biter.Scientists Michael Hadjiconstantis from the Association for the Protection of Natural Heritage and Biodiversity of Cyprus, Iakovos Tziortzis from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus, and Kadir Bogaç Kunt from the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute gathered information and specimens from an increasing number of records of the huge water bug on the east shoreline of the island in late spring and summertime of 2020 and 2021. The species, understood for living in ponds and gradually moving freshwaters, had actually never been tape-recorded on the island in the past, although recognized populations are known in nearby Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Israel.The Giant Water Bug: A Formidable PredatorAlso referred to as the Electric light bug, this huge water bug is explained as a vicious hunter, hoping on invertebrates, fish, turtles, and even birds. What is even scarier is that, as the biggest European real bug and the largest European water pest, determining up to 12 cm, it has a credibility for inflicting extremely unpleasant bites when managed carelessly.Its look, generally on the eastern seaside front of the island, was initially recorded by swimmers, who were amazed by the fearsome appearances and size of the bug.” Reference: “On the significance of citizen-science: very first records of the Giant water bug Lethocerus patruelis (Hemiptera, Belostomatidae) in Cyprus” by Michael Hadjiconstantis, Iakovos Tziortzis and Kadir Bogaç Kunt, 31 December 2023, Travaux du Muséum National dHistoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa”.