Hunt on the toes: Cyprus attacked giant 12 cm bugs

Researchers believe that huge bedbugs have come to the island from the mainland, but no one knows how and why they did it. Giant water bugs, also known as "biting toes", belong to the genus Lethocerus, which include species of birds. Previously, representatives of this species were not noticed on the island, but now scientists believe that they are striking on the Mediterranean Island of Cyprus, Live Science writes. A new study shows that these 12-cm water bugs can cause painful bites.

Beetles have now been found on the island's east coast and have already warned locals and tourists. According to the authors of the study, it is better for people to keep their eyes open and their toes as far from the water. In focus. Technology has appeared its Telegram channel.

Subscribe not to miss the latest and most intrusive news from the world of science! National park services indicate that representatives of this species usually live in freshwater environments, such as ponds and swamps around the world. Huge bedbugs are armed with claw -like appendages and poisonous saliva, which enables them to freeze and suck the liquid from the prey.

Earlier, the researchers found that these insects also hunt for the fingers of people who are suspected, for this they were called "toes". Fortunately, such a bite of giant bug is not toxic to humans because we are too big for them, but the unpleasant consequences will still be. Earlier, scientists met giant water bugs on the mainland in Turkey, Lebanon, Israel and Egypt, but in Cyprus, these insects were not noticed.

In a new study, scientists have studied messages in local groups between 2020 and 2021 and were able to gather more information about their sudden appearance. According to the team, 7 giant water bugs were spotted in the eastern lowland of the island. The researchers also checked this place and found two individuals. Found insects belong to the species of letiocerus patrolis, and their length can reach 8 centimeters.

Unfortunately, the team could not identify the types of remaining beetles, only in the photos and therefore recorded them as Lethocerus. The authors of the study believe that the beetles have probably arrived from the mainland, but they are still lost in guessing why insects crossed the open sea. It is suggested that giant bugs could attract lights on the opposite coast. However, there is another theory: beetles could migrate to Cyprus in search of food or were brought here in an element.