This week, we focus on the insect order Hemiptera. In this case, the “big-eyed toad bug” – Gelastocoris oculatus. This insect was described by Fabricius in 1798. It is classified in the family Gelastocoridae. It can be found in North America (reported as far north as southern Canada) and Central America. They are often difficult to find due to the camouflage coloration. They live along the shore of ponds and both nymphs and adults are carnivorous. Since they have piercing/ sucking mouth parts, they pierce their prey and use a small pump in their head to suck the contents of their prey. Their front legs are raptorial and used to hold/ subdue their prey (often other insects). The adults and nymphs are active during the warmer months and hibernate when the weather turns cold in Illinois.

These insects swim quickly under water and can leap many times their body length on land (hence the apt name “toad bug”). I have encountered these in many locations in central Illinois. Most adults are about 1 cm in total length. The photo shown here is a specimen I encountered in Marshall County in 2007.

Were you aware such an insect species existed in central Illinois. We look forward to your comments and insights.