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I keep finding these in my minnow trap.  They are about 1". Anyone know what they are, do they bite, do they sting, do bass eat them?

 

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I think that is a Predaceous Diving Beetle, the adult stage of the larval nasty water tiger, which is kind of like a Hellgramite.  I believe the water bugs can fly too.  Not sure, but I think they do bite, so be careful.  Probably in your trap looking for minnows.

Sounds nasty, Jeff. I'd squash the thing and move on.

Thanks, I looked that name up, you're right. And, they can bite. Strangely enough, they are considered beneficial because they also eat other insects, and small fish.

I recommend a #6 Tru-Turn suspended below a Thill ShyBite float.

For fishing with? They BITE!

so do crawfish but fish still line up at the banquet table for them

I think I'd hold the thing with a pliers or heavy gloves. According to Wikipedia, "immediately upon biting they deliver digestive enzymes." That bite would be a gift that keeps on giving for a while.


Seems that it's not only fish that line up for them. Also on Wikipedia:

"Adult Dytiscidae, particular of the genus Cybister, are edible. In Mexico, C. explanatus are eaten roasted and salted to accompany tacos."

I think I'll stick to salsa with my tacos, thanks :p

It also says they are eaten in Japan. Maybe, somewhere, but in my 8 years living there, I never saw anyone eating any insect or selling them, or anything.  I rather suspect that's gone out of fashion.

I read that too. Doesn't seem worth messing with them. Also, I have poured them back in the pond where the bass are, and I haven't noticed any bass jumping on them. It is also very hard to get a hook through shells such as shrimp, and this bugger would be the same.

Possibly, the fish do not find them palatable.  I see insects on the surface in warmer weather that the fish never seem to bother with. Those crazy whirligig beetles come to mind.

Great call on the identification, Jeff.

I've never seen a fish eat a water strider, either.  Anyone else?

Giant Diving Beetle and they could bite. They eat fish ,salamanders, aquatic insets and frogs.

Well, here's the problem, as I see it: "They eat fish, salamanders, aquatic insects and frogs..."

In other words, they are in competition with and even killing the fish I may want. That settles it - giant, friggin' predatory diving beetles must go. Grind 'em up for chum!


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