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Water Scorpion

water_scorpion_sm.jpg: Water scorpion
Range: United States, southern Canada
Habitat: Ponds, slow streams
Conservation Status:
Scientific Name: Ranatra fusca

What's in a name? This animal is not a real scorpion but an insect. It is one of nature's "snorkelers." It can stay underwater in ponds and slow-moving streams by breathing through a tube at the rear tip of its abdomen. The water scorpion bites its prey to paralyze it, then feeds on the body juices. Yum!