Imagine walking on a heavenly beach, the warm sand beneath your feet, before a sudden bite turns this relaxing moment into a nightmare. This is what is happening to many vacationers in Cyprus, where a fearsome insect, the giant water bug, is proliferating at a worrying rate. How can this sudden invasion be explained, and above all, how can we protect ourselves from it?
An impressive and feared insect
Giant water bugs, also known as “water scorpions,” are not easy to spot. Growing up to 12 centimeters in size, they are among the largest aquatic insects in the world. Usually found in stagnant waters like marshes and lakes, they feed on crustaceans, fish, and even small turtles. But what makes them truly formidable is their bite.
Their attack, often compared to a wasp sting, is extremely painful. This aquatic predator uses its powerful rostrum to inject toxic saliva that liquefies the internal tissues of its prey. While the bite is not dangerous to humans, it can cause intense and prolonged pain, which explains the panic among swimmers.
Why are they invading the Mediterranean?
Until recently, these bedbugs were absent from Cypriot beaches. But since 2020, they have been reported with increasing frequency. Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain their sudden presence:
