Water scorpions have a long twig-like body and long spindly legs. At the end of the abdomen are two long tubes which it uses as snorkles for breathing. The forelegs have raptorial claws and can be used for seizing prey. These forelegs are often held thrust forward and closely together so that they look like an elongated snout. The head is small, with bulging eyes, and a short downward curving beak. They are usually colored dark brown. They can get up to 4 inches long.

Water scorpion (Renatra)

Water scorpion head and beak

The picture to the left shows the water scorpion's beak. Compared to other members of Hempitera, the head and beak are small in proportion to the insect's body.

In the picture below, a water scorpion has captured a water boatman and is trying to find a chink in its exoskeleton to pierce with its beak. Even when subduing prey, water scorpions move very slowly. A creeping water bug resting on the water scorpion's thorax is not disturbed by the struggle.

Two types of water scorpions are present at Brazos Bend State Park. The most common is the genus Ranatra which tend to be long and slender, almost like a thin stick. The other genus, Nepa is broader and shorter. Nepa are sometimes confused with giant water bugs. However the legs of water scorpions are never modified into paddles like those of a giant water bug.

Wide-bodied (Nepa) Water scorpion

The picture at the left shows a wide-bodied water scorpion. These are seen much less often in Brazos Bend State Park than the long slender type. They are usually not as long. The specimen pictured was very small, only about 1 inch long, not counting the breathing tubes and raptorial forelegs.

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Water Boatman

Creeping Water Bug

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