Giant Water Bugs

[Eclipse]

So it's a Saturday morning, I hop on my bike, rode to a friend's house for breakfast and we rode off to ponds, sewers, and dams, I wasn't trying to make it obvious, but I was looking for Giant Water Bugs. Couldn't even find a trace, they probably don't even exist in my city. Do any of you guys have any experience with them? I kind of want them after seeing one for "display" at a pet shop. Too bad they weren't selling it. How many of you can go out 10 steps, look down and find one? :}

 

[Fluke]

I wasn't trying to make it obvious, but I was looking for Giant Water Bugs. :}

Dork alert!

I got a kick out of that I am sorry:razz:

A lot of time pet stores get in the Giant water bugs accidently along with the feeder goldfish etc. I am sure that they can order you one and it will be super cheap. Goodluck on the hunt!

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

Or you can go on biological supply websites to acquire some, though it may be pricey($16 for 6! ) and you'll have to wait for a certain time of year before you can order.

 

[Eclipse]

Dork alert!

I got a kick out of that I am sorry:razz:

LOL shut up, I know I'm dorky with these things, but I try not to show it when I'm out with my friends unless I totally trust them and I've known them long enough. C'mon I know you do it too, don't lie.

 

[James H]

If you are still wanting to find some find a pool with slower moving water and search around the base of any rocks or in the leaf litter at the bottom. What I have found to work pretty well is to get an aquarium fish net, I use the 5" size and put it in the water to the bottom of the pool and go up and underneath the edge of the rocks or logs lifting the next completely out of the water when you do this. If the giant water bugs are there you stand a pretty good chance of collect one or two. If not you should be able to find all sorts of other little aquatic inverts. Good luck.

 

[Scythemantis]

Or you can go on biological supply websites to acquire some, though it may be pricey($16 for 6! ) and you'll have to wait for a certain time of year before you can order.

I've only found bio sites that say they don't sell to private individuals. Do you know any specific exceptions??

 

[dtknow]

I've searched a lot of areas and the only place I actually found any was a vernal pool. They were incredibly abundant and could be spotted retreating as you approached the pool. Wade in and grab them...just don't step on any.

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

I've only found bio sites that say they don't sell to private individuals. Do you know any specific exceptions??

Carolina Biological Supply I believe ships to private individuals. That's how I got spotted salamanders once

 

[Elytra and Antenna]

I don't know if Carolina will ship them anymore but they don't have the larger Abedus or Lethocerus. Otherwise $16 for 6 would be a deal.

 

[Galapoheros]

LOL shut up, I know I'm dorky with these things, but I try not to show it when I'm out with my friends unless I totally trust them and I've known them long enough. C'mon I know you do it too, don't lie.

Lol, they're dorky if they "don't" like bugs ....those losers:razz: !

 

[johnharper]

I see them here alot in the summer and sometimes in the fall. I kept one for a while when I was a kid and released it before it got to cold. Really cool critters.

John

 

[James H]

Do you think that our bug collecting fore fathers ordered their bugs from some place in a book? No they did not they went out and toiled under the scorching heat and blistering cold, up and over the tallest mountains and through the deepest swamps to find their quarry. So get out from behind your computer and start walking your target species out!!!!

Who's with me!!!!!!

 

[GiantVinegaroon]

Do you think that our bug collecting fore fathers ordered their bugs from some place in a book? No they did not they went out and toiled under the scorching heat and blistering cold, up and over the tallest mountains and through the deepest swamps to find their quarry. So get out from behind your computer and start walking your target species out!!!!

Who's with me!!!!!!

BECAUSE FINDING BUGS IN THE WINTER IS THAT EASY *rolls eyes*

:}

 

[Avix4me]

Last summer I was at my friends house swimming in his pool and we saw one that was maybe 2 inches long-We started splashing it and stuff and it started chasing us lol. I think we ended up killing it...