"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Most of us aren’t experts at bug identification—especially because most common house insects look alike.

When most people refer to a “water bug,” they're actually employing a delicate colloquialism for an insect whose mere name induces squirms: the cockroach. A common question is, “Are water bugs roaches ...

Once one learns that mammoth insects sometimes called “toe biters” lurk in ponds, a person might be less inclined to wade bare-footed. Formally known as the giant water bug, Lethocerus americanus, ...

Giant water bugs are fascinating creatures that dominate their freshwater habitats with their sheer size and unique adaptations. These aquatic insects, often called "toe-biters," are among the largest ...

A close-up encounter with one of nature’s most aggressive aquatic insects — see how the giant water bug lives up to its ...

“The spirit vanished from his eyes as if snuffed ... He was shrinking before my eyes like a deflating football.” — From “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek” by Annie Dillard When still, it hangs upside down like ...

Reds, present for a couple weeks, are waning a bit, but yellows are in no hurry to pause. This leaf glow prevails until later in the month when the foliage will be dropped. But more is happening.

This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in ...

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More › When people say they’ve spotted a “water bug” in the house, they’re usually talking ...