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Water Stick insect - Ranatra linearis, click for a larger image, photo licensed for reuse CCBYSA4.0
Photo ©2017 Andreas Eichler
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Water Stick insect - Ranatra linearis, click for a larger image, photo licensed for reuse CCASA2.5
Photo ©2004 James K. Lindsey

Water Stick insect - Ranatra linearis
Family - Nepidae

The Water Stick insect is another large underwater aquatic predator species similar in looks to a Mantis, native to central and southern Britain, Europe and North Africa found on or close to plants in many freshwater habitats including ponds, lakes and marshes.  Very long and stick like the body 3–5cm (1.2–2in) long with a breathing tube of a similar length that acts like a snorkel.

They are good swimmers predating small aquatic invertebrates and creatures such as tadpoles and small fish.  Dark brown in colour they hide in the vegetation using camouflage to evade detection, but when found will form a long stick like posture, to all intents and purposed looking like a dead twig or reed.  Seen throughout the year it is a close relative of the Water Scorpion.  They often leave the aquatic environment to hunt in close by vegetation, or fly to a new pond.

Water Stick insect - Ranatra linearis, click for a larger image, used with permission
Two photos ©2021 - Dan Higham		 Water Stick insect - Ranatra linearis, click for a larger image, used with permission
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