what is this?

[10.5" RES Sharon]

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?

 

[Jeff Soto]

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.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

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

[10.5" RES Sharon]

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.

[Badgerloader]

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

[10.5" RES Sharon]

For fishing with? They BITE!

[Badgerloader]

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

[JBplusThuy]

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.

[10.5" RES Sharon]

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.

[Tony Livingston]

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.

[JBplusThuy]

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

[dick tabbert]

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

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

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!