Brief SummaryRead full entry BiologyThe water scorpion is a poor
swimmer, and tends to move around mainly by walking. It preys on
water beetles, mosquito larvae, small fish and a range of other
aquatic animals, which are caught by the powerful, pincer-like
fore legs. Air is taken in at the surface via the respiratory
tail, and the bug is able to stay below the water for up to 30
minutes. Most individuals are unable to fly as the flight
muscles are poorly developed, but occasionally they do fly, in
order to colonise new ponds. The water scorpion is active
throughout the year; adults can be found in winter moving around
under ice or under stones. Mating takes place from April to late
May, and females lay their eggs shortly after. The eggs are laid
at night, just beneath the surface of the water, amongst algae
or in the stems of water plants. A female can lay as many as 32
eggs in one night (2). The eggs have 7 long hairs, which touch
the surface of the water and serve to supply the eggs with
oxygen (3). After 3