Study on the natural habitats of the giant water bug Lethocerus indicus (Lepeletier et Seville, 1775) (Hemiptera : Belostomatidae) contributing to sustainable management of this rare water insect named in the Red Data Book of Vietnam

Abstract

The study was focused on the natural habitats and distribution of the giant water bug Lethocerus indicus in Lao PDR, with the aims to conserve and breed this rare water insect. The following conclusions were given: Adult giant water bugs were distributed in 5 main natural habitat types, including SC1. Habitat with flowing water such as rivers, streams and canals; SC2. Habitat type with standing or less flowing water such as ponds, lakes and lagoons; SC3. Habitat types such as water rice fields or aquatic plants; SC4. Habitat of standing water or puddles on the edge or inside the rice field; and SC5; and other Habitats include terrestrial, drifting with water, hiding in earthen caves near aquatic habitats. The number of adult giant water bugs decreased in the order of natural habitats studied, as follows SC3 >SC4 >SC2 >SC5 >SC1. The weter rice fields were the most suitable habitat for adult giant water bug. Research results showed that, there are similarities in the distribution of adult male and female in the studied natural habitats. The ratio of adult male to female giant water bug found in the above five studied natural habitats was 1.0 versus 2.3, respectively.