9 May, 2021

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It’s difficult not to be impressed with the formidable nature of the Waterscorpion – Nepa cinerea, an accomplished predator often found in shallow, still water. They are poor swimmers and instead lie in wait among the dead leaf litter to ambush any unsuspecting tadpole or small fish, using their pincer-like front legs. The long tail is used as a snorkel to penetrate the water surface, enabling the insect to breath whilst submerged.

Waterscorpion – Nepa cinerea

Photograph by – Steve Horton