Belostomatids are very hardy insects that are pretty simple to house in captivity. A single specimen will do fine in a ¾ to one gallon or so enclosure. Water depth should be at least five to six inches. Aquatic vegetation or submerged objects that mimic aquatic vegetation are a must for giant water bugs as they will cling to the objects with the two pairs of swimming legs while the front raptorial legs are open for hunting. They will also regularly rest on the submerged objects, and those of the genus Lethocerus will lay eggs on the objects protruding out of the waters surface. Aquarium gravel works great for aquatic substrate as it provides a ridged surface for belostomatids to hold on to while resting on the bottom. Giant water bugs are good nocturnal flyers so a lid on the enclosure is necessary. They are incredibly successful predators and adult specimens will feed voraciously on small fish. Two or three food items a week is a good feeding schedule. Belostomatids breath surface air through snorkel-like siphons at the end of the abdomen, so changing the water in the enclosure is not a constant must, although if the water becomes too littered with prey item parts or other organic material that can cause sanitation problems, then it should be changed.
Alex S.
Alex S.
