Bugs That Like Moisture

There are more than 4,500 true bug species in North America. Almost all true bugs have two sets of wings. True bugs that need moisture and water usually have short antennas and needle-like mouth parts that allow them to suck bodily fluids from their prey. Some bugs feed on other bugs while others are disease carrying parasites.

  1. Common Water Strider

    • The common water strider, or Gerris remigis, can grow to up to five-eighths of an inch long with dark brown or black, flattened, elongated bodies. They have short forelegs and long middle and hind legs. These bugs can be found on the surface of ponds and slow streams throughout North America. Their diet consists of aquatic insects, mosquitoes, larvae and terrestrial insects that fall onto the water surface. The common water strider also is known as a "skater" and "Jesus bug" for its ability to walk on water.

    Toad Bugs

    • With yellowish legs, brown bodies and eyes bulging from the sides of their head, toad bugs, or Gelastocoris oculatus, resemble small toads and are often mistaken for pebbles on the ground. These bugs grow to a length of about three-eighths of an inch long. They can be found near the water's edge of lakes, shores, ponds and streams throughout the United States and southern Canada. Their diet consists of smaller insects found within their habitat.

    Brown Water Scorpion

    • Brown water scorpions, or Ranatra fusca, can grow up to nearly 2 inches long. This species has two long breathing tubes that are nearly half the length of its body. They can be found at the bottom of shallow fresh water resources or among vegetation and debris throughout the United States and southern Canada. This stick-shaped bug penetrates its prey with its sharp beak and sucks its host's bodily juices. Brown water scorpions eat other insects, tadpoles, salamanders and fish.

    Giant Water Bug

    • The Giant water bug, or Lethocerus americanus, is the largest true bug growing up to 4 inches long. Its hind legs grow to more than 2 inches long, allowing it to swim through water quickly. It is commonly found throughout the United States and Canada living in shallow fresh water ponds, pools and below vegetation. Giant water bugs eat other insects, tadpoles, small fish and salamanders.