Laccotrephes pfeiferiae

(Ferrari, 1888)

Vernacular names
English : Pfeifer’s water scorpion
French : Nèpe géante de Pfeifer

Classification
Class : Insecta
Order : Hemiptera
Family : Nepidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 5 cm in body length with a 3 cm long breathing tube protruding from the back. Very powerful raptorial appendages. Body color usually dark brown to chocolate brown with clearer head and body edges. Large black eyes.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South East Asia, from South China and Taiwan to south Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Java and Sumatra. Lives in all kinds of slow moving and still water areas.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species status hasn’t been assessed yet. It seems to be common but may become threatened by water pollution and climate change.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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