The huge water bug, a big and possibly unpleasant predator, has actually been found for the very first time in Cyprus, triggering interest and examination by researchers. This finding highlights Cyprus’s abundant biodiversity and highlights the value of resident science in keeping an eye on ecological modifications and types migrations. Credit: Hadjiconstantis et al.
Cyprus, understood for its sensational, sun-kissed coasts, stands as a Mediterranean biodiversity sanctuary. Yet, it’s the island’s stunning beaches, instead of its abundant insect life, that generally catch attention. However, the eager eyes and interest of some beachgoers have actually supplied essential info about a < period class =(************************************ )aria-describedby ="tt" data-cmtooltip ="<div class=glossaryItemTitle>species</div><div class=glossaryItemBody>A species is a group of living organisms that share a set of common characteristics and are able to breed and produce fertile offspring. The concept of a species is important in biology as it is used to classify and organize the diversity of life. There are different ways to define a species, but the most widely accepted one is the biological species concept, which defines a species as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce viable offspring in nature. This definition is widely used in evolutionary biology and ecology to identify and classify living organisms.</div>" data-gt-translate-attributes="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex ="0" function =(***************************************** )> types never ever taped before on the island: the huge water bug, likewise called a toe biter.
ScientistsMichaelHadjiconstantis from theAssociation for theProtection ofNaturalHeritage andBiodiversity of Cyprus,Iakovos Tziortzis from theMinistry ofAgriculture,RuralDevelopment andEnvironment ofCyprus, andKadirBoga çKunt from theCyprusWildlife(************************************************************************* )Institute gathered info and specimens from an increasing variety of records of the huge water bug on the east shoreline of the island in late spring and summertime of2020 and2021
The types, understood for populating ponds and gradually moving freshwaters, had actually never ever been taped on the island previously, although recognized populations are understood in surrounding Mediterranean nations such as Greece, Turkey, and Israel.
The Giant Water Bug: A Formidable Predator
Also described as the Electric light bug, this huge water bug is referred to as a vicious hunter, hoping on < period class =(************************************ )aria-describedby ="tt" data-cmtooltip ="<div class=glossaryItemTitle>invertebrates</div><div class=glossaryItemBody>Invertebrates are animals that do not have a backbone. They make up the majority of the animal kingdom and include animals such as insects, worms, mollusks, and arachnids. Invertebrates are found in almost every habitat on Earth, from the depths of the oceans to the highest mountains. They play important roles in the ecosystem as decomposers, pollinators, and as a food source for other animals. Invertebrates have a wide range of body shapes, sizes, and behaviors, and they have evolved a variety of ways to survive and thrive in their environments.</div>" data-gt-translate-attributes ="[{"attribute":"data-cmtooltip", "format":"html"}]" tabindex ="0" function ="link" > invertebrates, fish, turtles, and even birds.(*********************************************************** )is even scarier is that, as the biggestEuropean real bug and the biggest European water pest, determining up to 12 cm, it has a credibility for causing really unpleasant bites when dealt with thoughtlessly.
Its look, primarily on the eastern seaside front of the island, was at first taped by swimmers, who were amazed by the terrifying appearances and size of the bug. They either straight gotten in touch with the professionals or released images and videos online, primarily on Facebook groups connected to biodiversity. The authors gathered a few of the specimens for additional research study.
They likewise continued with a comprehensive online search on pertinent online observation platforms (i.e. iNatural ist) in order to track any other reports of the types on the island. In addition, they tested close-by wetlands, however did not identify the bug. End to end, an overall of 7 sightings were ultimately taped: 5 from social networks and 2 after direct interaction with the author group.
Two specimens were gotten and taken a look at morphologically to validate the types. The observations were taped in a research study post in the open-access journal Travaux du Mus éum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa”
Having in mind that the toe biter is a renowned types accompanied by weird stories worrying its encounters with human beings, the authors presume that it is not likely that it had actually gone undetected for too long. They consider it possible that numerous migration occasions may have been activated in a brief time period by close-by nations hosting the types, such as Israel, Lebanon, andSyria The specimens might have been moved by wind or sea currents, as presumed by other scientists, or might have been driven by a reduction in food resources in their preliminary location of circulation.
Despite the variety of recordings in a brief timeframe, no conclusions can be drawn for the minute on the facility of a population of the types on the island. This is additional to be examined, and as the preliminary recording of the types, resident science can have a crucial function in this. The authors advise the general public to be alert: “Naturalists looking for alien-like critters can provide valuable information on the presence and a possible establishment of the species through citizen science.” Until then, they caution: “Cypriots should keep their eyes open and their toes out of the water.”
Reference: “On the importance of citizen-science: first records of the Giant water bug Lethocerus patruelis (Hemiptera, Belostomatidae) in Cyprus” by Michael Hadjiconstantis, Iakovos Tziortzis and Kadir Boga ç Kunt, 31 December 2023, Travaux du Mus éum National d’Histoire Naturelle “Grigore Antipa”
DOI: 10.3897/ travaux.66 e94457
