The Saucer Bug has a flat, oval shaped body with a dark back and silvery underside created by the air bubble held there while underwater. It also has a distinctive pair of horn like front legs.
Latin name: Ilyocoris cimicoides
Size: 15mm
Overview
A shy little aquatic insect, the Saucer Bug spends much of its time hiding in dense vegetation in muddy pond shallows. Despite this, it is a very able predator, feasting on all manner of insects which cross its path. Its fearsome looking front legs are like a powerful and razor sharp claw. This is perfect for holding their prey still while they inject digestive juices to turn their captive’s innards into soup. These pincer like legs can also give humans a nasty sting if handled so be warned! Although its wings are fully formed, the Saucer Bug is flightless. Its flight muscles are poorly developed but it can walk around quite happily on land.
In the garden
A garden pond with thick vegetation and shallow areas will provide this bug with an adequate home. An elusive bug, it will run for cover if exposed making it hard to catch a glimpse of.